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FNCIL'iV£VByT3Wf:LCHFHOMAr[i:R:T!,y7'm'',::'rri.-lfi7' 




l^ ^ . z^ r^.. r^. 



THE 



SAGES AND HEROES 



OF THE 



AMERICAN REYOLUTION. 



IN TWO PARTS 

INCLUDING THE SIGNERS OP THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE OF THE SAGES AND 
HEROES ARE PRESENTED IN DUE FORM 

AND MANY OTHERS ARE NAMED INCIDENTALLY. 



BY Lf^CARROLL JUDSON, 

AUTHOR OF A BIOGRAPHY OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDBPENDENCK, 
MORAL PROBE, ET CET. ET CET. 



REVISED. 



STEREOTYPK EDITION. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

MOSS & BROTHER. 

185 4. 



^^0- 



S'^ 






Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1&51, 
By L. Carroll Judson, 
in th"^ Cierk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsyh 

Transferred to Moss & Brother. 



Stereotyped by Slote & Mo one r, Philadelphia, 



Kite <t Walton, 
Printers. 



/. 



F 



/ 



PREFACE. 



This volume contains the condensed substance of more expensive works that 
have been published relative to the men and times of the American Revolution. 
The character and acts of the most prominent Sages and Heroes of that eventful 
era are delineated. A sufficient amount of documentary matter is inserted to 
enable the reader to fully understand the causes, progress and triumphant termi- 
nation of that sanguinary struggle that resulted in Freedom to the new world 
and prepared an asylum for the oppressed. The French and Indian wars are 
prominently noticed. More Revolutionary names are rescued from oblivion in 
this book than in any other extant. I have introduced many practical remarks 
intended to rouse the reflective powers of the immortal mind and increase a 
patriotic love for our expanding Republic and glorious institutions. These 
remarks are designed to be living epistles animated with "thoughts that breathe 
and words that burn." There are many festering wounds on our body politic 
that need probing to the bottom-cancers that require the best treatment of the 
boldest operators in moral, religious and political surgery. The text is concise 
and not dressed in the dogmatical garb of arhiirary punctuation. In preparing 
the historical part I have consulted numerous documents and the most approved 
works in our libraries. Once for all I award a general credit. The relation of 
events is usually in my own plain laconic language. I believe this volume as 
free from errors as any of its illustrious predecessors. It has long been a 
cherished desideratum in my mind to place this multum in parvo within the 
reach of every working man in our land. I have exerted my best efforts to 
make it interesting and instructive by blending a perspective chart of human 
nature with the thrilling history of the times that tried the souls of the patriots 
of '76. It is my ardent desire that it may prove beneficial to readers and 
publisher. 

L. CARROLL JUDSON, 
of the Philadelphia Bar. 

Philadelphia, March 4, 1851. 

(iii) 



CONTENTS. 







PART I. 








Adams John . . 


. 7 


Heyward Thomas 


168 Quincy Josiah 


294 


Adams Samuel . 


. 24 


Hopkins Stephen 


172 


Read George . , 


296 


Arnold Benedict . 


. 32 


Hopkinson Francis 


179 


Rodney Csesar 


300 


Barney Joshua . 


. 39 


Hooper William . 


182 


Ross George . . 


306 


Bartlett Josiah . 


. 49 


Huntington Samuel 


186 


Rush Benjamin . 


311 


Braxton Carter . 


. 54 


Irvine William . 


189 


Rutledge Edward 


316 


Butler Zebulon . 


. 58 


Jeiferson Thomas 


191 


Sherman Roger . 


321 


Carroll Charles . 


. 63 


Kalb Baron de . 


205 


Smith James . . 


329 


Chase Samuel 


. 68 


La Fayette G. M. de 


208 


Stark John . . 


336 


Clark Abraham . 


. 77 


Lee Francis Lightfoot 219 


Stockton Richard 


343 


Clymer Greorge . 


. 80 


Lee Richard Henry 


223 


Stone Thomas 


348 


Dickinson John . 


. 87 


Lewis Francis 


230 


Taylor George 


352 


Ellery William . 


. 90 


Livingston Philip 


233 


Thornton Matthetv' 


355 


Floyd William . 


. 96 


Lynch Thomas Jr. 


237 


Varnum Joseph B. 


359 


Franklin Benjamin 


. 101 


McKean Thomas 


240 


Walton George . 


361 


Grates Horatio 


. 110 


Marion Francis . 


246 


Warren Joseph . 


366 


Gerry Elbridge . 


. 114 


Middleton Arthur 


251 


Washington George 


368 


Greene Nathaniel 


. 121 


Morris Lewis . . 


255 


Wayne Anthony . 


379 


Gwinnett Button 


. 129 


Morris Robert 


261 


Whipple William Jr 


387 


Hall Lyman . . 


. 132 


Morton John . . . 


267 


Williams William 


391 


Hancock John . 


. 135 


Nelson Thomas . , 


270 


Wilson James 


394 


Harrison Benjamin 


. 141 


Otis James 


278 


Witherspoon John 


399 


Hart John . . 


. 148 


Paca William . . . 


280 


Wolcott Oliver . 


404 


Henry Patrick . 


. 151 


Paine Robert Treat 


284 


Wythe George . 


406 


Hewes Joseph 


. 161 


Penn John . . . , 


288 


Yates Robert . . 


410 




PART II. 






Allen Ethan . . 


. 415 


Blount Thomas . . 


418 


Brown Moses . . 


420 


Allen Ebenezer . 


416 


Boudinot Elias . . 


419 


Brown Robert . . 


420 


Allen Moses . . 


416 


Bowdoin James . . 


419 


Bryan George . . 


421 


Alexander William 


416 


Bradford William . 


419 


Burd Benjamin . 


421 


Armstrong John . 


416 


Broad Hezekiah . . 


419 


Burr Aaron . 


421 


Barry John . 


416 


Brooks Eleazer , . 


419 


Butler Richard . . 


422 


Beatty William . 


417 


Brooks John . . . 


420 


Butler Thomas . . 


422 


Biddle Nicholas . 


417 


Brown Andrew . . 


420 


Cadwalader Thomas . 


423 


Bland Theodoric . 


418 


Brown John . . . 


420 


Caswell Richard . . 

(V) 


423 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



Champe John . 423 
Chrystie James . . 424 
♦^^lark George Rogors 424 
Clinton Charles . . 424 
Clinton George . . 425 
Clinton James . . 425 
Comstock Adam . . 425 
Coward Joseph . . 42B 
Croghan William . 426 
Cropper John . . 426 
Cushing Thomas . . 427 
Dale llichard •. . . 427 
Darke William . . 427 
Davie Richardson W. 427 
Davidson William . 428 
Dickinson Philemon . 428 
Drayton Wm. Henry 429 
Dyer Eliphalet . . 429 
Elsworth Oliver . . 430 
Forrest Uriah . . 430 
Gadsden Christopher 430 
Gansevoort Peter . 431 
Gibson John . . . 432 
Gibson George . . 432 
Greene Christopher . 433 
GraefF George . . 433 
Griffin Cyrus . . .433 
Gurncy Francis . . 434 
Gwinn William . . 434 
Hale Nathan . . .434 
Ilaiuilton Alexander 435 
Hamilton Paul . . 436 
Hathaway Benoni . 436 
Hawkins Nathan . 437 
Hawley Joseph . . 437 
Hayne Isaac . . .437 
Heath William . . 437 
Heston Edward . . 438 
Holden Levi . . .438 
Houston John . . 438 
Howard John Eager 439 
Humphrey David . 439 
Huntington Jedediah 439 
Irvine Andrew . . 440 
Irwin Jared . , . 440 
Jackson Andrew . . 440 
Jackson James . , 441 
Jame-3 John . . . 441 



Jasper William 
Jay John . 
Johnson Francis 
Johnson Samuel 
Johnson William 
Jones John Paul 
Kennard Nathaniel . 
King Rufus . . . 
Kirkwood Robert 
Knowlton Thomas . 
Knox Henry . 
Kosciuszco Thaddeus 
Lacy John 
Laurens Henry . 
Laurens John 
Ledyard William 
Lee Arthur 
Lee Charles . . . 
Lee Henry 
Lee Ezra .... 
Lee Thomas Sim. . 
Lincoln Benjamin . 
Lippitt Christopher . 
Livingston Robert R. 
Livingston William 
McClintock Nathaniel 
McKinstry John . 
McPherson William . 
Madison James . 
Manly John . . . 
Marshall John . . 
Mathews Thomas 
Mercer Hugh . . . 
Meigs Return Jona'n 
Mifflin Thomas . . 
Miller Henry . . . 
Monroe James . . 
Montgomery Richard 
Morgan Daniel . . 
Morgan John . . . 
Morris Governeur . 
Moultrie William 
Muhlenberg Peter . 
Nicholson James . . 
Ogden Matthias . . 
Olney Jeremiah . . 
Orr John .... 



442 Paine Thomas 

443 Parsons Sj^muel H. 
443 Paulding John . 
443 Peters Nathan . 

443 Peters Richard . 

444 Pettit Charles . 

445 Pickering Timothy 
445 Pickens Andrew . 

445 Porter Andrew . . 

446 Preble Edward . . 
446 Prescott William . 

446 Priolcau Samuel . . 

447 Pulaski Count . . 

448 Putnam Israel 

449 Putnam Rufus . . 
449 Ramsay David . . 

449 Randolph Edmund . 

450 Randolph Peyton 

450 Reed Joseph . . . 

451 Revere Paul . . . 
451 Sargent Winthrop . 

451 Scammel Alexander . 

452 St. Clair Arthur . . 

452 Schaick Gosen Van . 

453 Schuyler Philip . . 
453 Sedgewick Theodore 

453 Sergeant Jonathan D. 

454 Smallwood William 
454 Steuben Francis Wm. 

454 Augustus Baron de 

455 Strong Caleb . . . 
455 Sullivan John . . 
455 [Sullivan James . . 
456 'Stevens Edward . . 



457 
457 
457 
458 
458 
459 
459 
459 
460 
460 
461 
461 
461 



Thomas John . . . 
Thomas Thomas . 

Truxton Thomas . . 
Wads worth Jeremiah 

Ward Artemus . . 

Ward Henry . . . 
Washington .William 

Wheelock John . . 

Williams Otho H. . 

Winder Levin . . 

Wolcott Erastus . . 

Wooster David . . 

Wyllis Samuel . . 



461 
462 
462 
462 
463 
463 
463 
464 
464 
465 
466 
466 
466 
466 
467 
468 
468 
468 
468 
469 
469 
469 
470 
470 
470 
471 
471 
472 

472 
472 
472 
473 
473 
473 
474 
474 
474 
475 
475 
475 
476 
476 
476 
476 
476 
477 



} 



1 




J^N^AAiJ^ liX 7-5. iyfW,r^iJTi^uA TuHTJlAIT B} ' i^. 22'iJAIi:r 



JfMi ^fdm^J 



THE 



SAGES AND HEROES . 

OP THE 

AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

PARTI. 

JOHN ADAMS. 

The history of men should interest every reader. It is the mirror 
of mind-imparting lessons of thrilling interest, essential improvement, 
exquisite pleasure-substantial advantage. It is a matter of deep con- 
cern to the investigating student. Remoteness increases veneration. 
Human foibles are buried in the tomb. Faults are often eclipsed by 
towering virtues-find no place on the historic page and after genera- 
tions gaze upon a picture of rare perfection, which, as time advances, 
assumes shades-richer and holier-until it commands the reverence of 
every beholder. The names of many of the ancients, whose crowning 
glory was virtue, over whose ashes centuries have rolled, are often 
referred to with as profound respect as if angel purity had given the 
impress of Divinity to their every action. A country-a nation may 
DC lost in the whirlpool of revolution-the fame of good and great men 
is enduring as time. In the persons of the Sages and Heroes of the 
American Revolution, ancient and modern wisdom, patriotism and 
courage were combined. Let us join the admiring millions who are 
gazing on their bright picture and impartially trace the character of 
those who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honors in 
behalf of FREEDOM. 

Among them, John Adams was conspicuous. He was a native of 
Quincy, Mass. born on the 19th of Oct. (0. S.) 1735. He was the 

(7) 



8 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

fourth in descent from Henry Adams, who removed from Devonshire 
En^. with eight sons and located near Mount Wollaston. 

During his childhood he was under the instruction of Mr. Marsh of 
Braintree and made rapid progress in his education. At the age of 
sixteen he entered Harvard college at Cambridge and graduated at 
the age of twenty-one with high honors. 

At Worcester he commenced the study of law under Mr. Putnam, 
finished with Mr. Gridley, supporting himself by teaching a grammar 
class. Wisdom to discern the path of rigid virtue and uncompromising 
justice, with moral courage to act, marked his career from the dawn 
of manhood. He boldly grasped the past-present and future and 
made deductions truly prophetic. On the 12th of Oct. 1755, he wrote 
the following paragraph in a letter. 

" Soon after the reformation, a few people came over into this new 
world for conscience sake. Perhaps this apparently trivial incident 
may transfer the great seat of empire into America. It looks likely to 
me, if we can remove the turbulent Gallics, our people, according to 
the exactest computation, will, in another century, become more nume- 
rous than England herself. Should this be the case, since we have, 1 
may say» all the naval stores of the nation in our hands, it will be easy 
to obtain the mastery of the seas and then the united force of all Eu- 
rope will nol be able to subdue us. The only way to keep us from 
setting up for ourselves, is-to disunite us. Keep us in distinct colonies 
and then some men in each colony, desiring the monarchy of the 
whole, will destroy each other's influence and keep the country in 
p.quilibrio." 

Mark two things referred to in this letter. He plainly saw that the 
navy is our rig^it arm of defence and yet treated, by our government, 
with a parsimony that has long astonished the old world. " To dis- 
unite us"-the only thing that can ruin us now that we have set up 
^or ourselves. Lay this to heart ye demagogues who are sowing 
broadcast the seeds of disunion and no longer court a monarchy. 

At the end of three years study Mr. Adams was admitted to the 
practice of law and commenced a successful professional career at 
i3rahitree. Constitutional law had become a subject of investigation. 
i)isputes had commenced between the people and the officers of the 
o-rown who were employed in the custom-house and claimed the right 
to search private dwellings for the pretended purpose of discovering 
dutiable goods. This preliminary act of usurpation was frequently 
prompted by personal animosity without a shadow of evidence to raise 
even suspicion. The right of search was vigorously resisted. Writs 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. y 

of assistance were issued-the seeds of the revolution were sown. Mr. 
Gridley, the friend and admirer of Mr. Adams, defended the officers- 
not on constitutional ground but from the necessity of the case to pro- 
tect the revenue, from which Mr. Adams strongly dissented. The 
question was argued before the Superior Court at Boston-Mr. Gridley 
for and Mr. Otis against the crown. Mr. Adams listened to both gen- 
tlemen with intense interest and has often been heard to say-" The 
oration of Mr. Otis against writs of assistance breathed into this nation 
the breath of life. American independence was then and there born." 

The court publicly decided against the writs but secretly issued them. 
No richer fuel could have been used to increase the volume and force 
of the revolutionary fires already kindled. Mr. Adams was roused by 
the hypocrisy of the court and the audacity of the crown officers and 
at once took a bold stand in favor of justice. The Assembly inter- 
fered in behalf of the people and in 1762, prepared a bill to prevent 
the issue of these volcanic writs only upon specific information on 
oath-which was vetoed by the governor. The Assembly retaliated 
by reducing the salary of the judges. 

In 1761 Mr. Adams rose to the rank of Barrister-in 1764 married 
the accomplished Abigail Smith, daughter of Rev. William Smith, who 
nobly participated with her husband in the thrilling scenes of their 
lives for fifty-four years. Judge of her patriotism from the following 
extract from one of her numerous and able letters. 

" Heaven is our witness that we do not rejoice in the effusion of 
blood or the carnage of the human species-but, having been forced to 
draw the sword, we are determined never to sheathe \i-slaves to Britain. 
Our cause. Sir, I trust, is the cause of truth and justice and will finally 
prevail, though the combined force of earth and hell should rise 
against it." 

The Stamp Act kindled an enduring flame of indignation in the 
patriotic bosom of Mr. Adams. He at once became a champion for 
chartered rights and rational freedom. He published an essay on 
Canon and Feudal Law which proved him a fearless, able and vigor- 
ous writer. It penetrated the joints and marrow of royal power as 
practised and parliamentary legislation as assumed. He traced the 
Canon law to the Roman clergy-shrewdly planned, acutely managed 
and rigorously enforced to advance their own aggrandizement. He 
delineated the servile dogmas of the Feudal code, each manor being 
the miniature kingdom of a petty tyrant. He exposed the unholy and 
powerful confederacy of the two, aiming to spread the mantle of igno- 
rance over mankind, drive virtue from the earth, producing the memo 
2 



10 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

rable era of the dark ages, shrouded in mental obscurity. He then 
ushered in the dawn of returning Hght, exhibited the gigantic struggles 
of the reformers-the bloody scenes of persecution and finally placed 
his readers upon the granite shores of New England, where, for a 
century, Liberty had shed its happy influence upon the sons and 
daughters of freemen, undisturbed by canons or feuds. " Tyranny 
has again commenced its desolating course-it must he arrested or we 
are slaves." This is a mere syllabus of a pamphlet of over forty pages, 
strong in language, bold in sentiment and nervous in style. 

Mr. Adams became associated with other prominent whigs, Samuel 
Adams, Quincy, Otis and many kindred spirits, whose influence pro- 
duced the repeal of the Stamp Act and the removal of Mr. Grenville 
from the ministry. An apparent but delusive calm ensued on the 
part of the crown officers. At intervals, a cloven foot would be seen, 
festering wounds would be irritated and no balm was found to restore 
them to perfect soundness. 

In 1766 Mr. Adams removed to Boston where his talents became 
so strongly developed that the king's governor thought him worth 
purchasing. He was offered the most lucrative ofl[ice in the colony- 
Advocate General in the court of Admiralty. He spurned the bribe 
with the disdain that none but freemen can exhibit. 

In 1769 he was on the committee that prepared instructions for the 
let^islature, which were very obnoxious to the royal governor. He 
had outraged the people Dy quartering a mercenary army in the town- 
was unyielding in his purposes and hastened a tragedy that gave a 
fresh impetus to the embryo revolution. 

On the 5th of March 1770, an aff'ray occurred between the military 
and citizens, in which five of the latter were killed and others wounded. 
Mr. Adams thus describes the result. 

" The people assembled, first at Faneuil Hall and adjourned to the 
old South Church, to the number, as was conjectured, of ten or twelve 
hundred men, among whom were the most virtuous, substantial, inde- 
pendent, disinterested and intelligent citizens. They formed them- 
selves into a regular deliberative body-chose their moderator and 
secretary-entered into discussions, deliberations and debates-adopted 
resolutions and appointed committees. These public resolutions were 
conformable to the views of the great majority of the people-' that the 
soldiers should be banished at all hazards.' Jonathan Williams, a very 
pious, inoffensive and conscientious gentleman, was their moderator. 
A remonstrance to the governor, or governor and council, was ordained 
and a demand that the regular troops should be removed from the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 11 

town. A committee was appointed to present this remonstrance, of 
which Samuel Adams was chairman. The soldiers were removed 
and transient peace restored.'' 

Captain Preston was brought before the court charged with giving 
the order to fire upon the citizens. The regulars who committed the 
fatal act were also arraigned and tried. Each party charged the other 
with commencing the affray. Some inconsiderate citizens had thrown 
snow-balls at the King's troops who returned lead in payment. Mr. 
Adams was employed to defend the accused. A delicate task he 
performed, but so ingeniously did he manage the case that Captain 
Preston and all the soldiers but two were acquitted and the two were 
only convicted of manslaughter. When the trial closed Mr. Adams 
stood approved by the citizens, having performed his professional 
duty to his clients and at the same time vindicated the rights of the 
people. 

The same year he was elected to the legislative body and boldly 
opposed the arbitrary measures of the British cabinet. He was one 
of the committee that prepared an address to the governor, the style 
of which induces me to think that it was penned by him. After 
clearly pointing out the violation of chartered rights the address con- 
cludes, " These and other grievances and cruelties, too many to be 
here enumerated and too melancholy to be jyiuch longer home by this 
injured people, we have seen brought upon us by the devices of 
ministers of state. And we have, of late, seen and heard of instruc- 
tions to governors which threaten to destroy all the remaining privi- 
leges of our charter. Should these struggles of the house prove 
unfortunate and ineffectual this Province will submit with pious 
resignation to the will of Providence-hiit it would be a kind of suicide, 
of which we have the utmost abhorrence, to be instrumental in our 
own servitude." 

A blind obstinacy on the part of the ministers increased the opposi- 
tion of the people, inducing a rapid accumulation of combustible 
materials, increasing the volcanic fires by their own strong exertions. 
Being alarmed at the boldness of the citizens, the governor ordered 
the legislature to convene at Cambridge contrary to the law which 
fixed the place of meeting-consequently, the members refused to do 
anything more than to adjourn to the proper place. A war of words 
and paper ensued, in which the patriots were victorious. Mr. Adams 
was one of the sharp-shooters and made great havoc among tho 
officers of the crown. Mr. Brattle, the senior member of the council 



12 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

entered the field in defence of the ministry but was put hors de combat 
by our champion. The governor was compelled to direct the legisla- 
ture to convene again at Boston. New causes of complaint were 
constantly accruing. The governor, judges and troops were paid by 
England instead of the colony-thus aiming to render the executive, 
)udiciary and military, independent of the people, destroying all confi- 
dence in the servants of the crown. The tax on tea was another 
source of aggravation, striking more tender chords. Wo to the ruler 
who rouses the fair sex. He may more safely defy the fury of JNIars 
and challenge the speed of Atalanta. 

Tea became forbidden fruit-several vessel loads were sacrificed to 
Neptune-an oblation for the sins of the British cabinet-a jollification 
for the fish of Boston harbour. Royal authority increased in cruelty- 
patriots increased in boldness. The message of the governor to the 
legislature of 1773 maintained the supremacy of parliament. This 
was denied by the members and a reply written by Mr. Adams in 
answer to a second message from the governor, more strongly in 
favor of the crown. The pen of this functionary was paralyzed-his 
arguments proved fallacious-his mouth sealed upon this exciting sub- 
ject. The reply of Mr. Adams was an exposition of British wrongs 
and American rights, so clearly presented that no sophistry could 
impugn-no logic confront. So highly was it appreciated by Dr. Frank- 
lin, that he had it republished in England-a luminary to patriots- 
confusion to tyrants. 

On taking his seat in the legislature Mr, Adams was placed on the 
list of committees. So vindictive was governor Hutchinson that he 
erased his name-an act that recoiled with such force as to rapidly 
close his public career in the colony. He was succeeded by Governor 
Gage, who was more fully charged with ministerial fire-more success- 
ful in accelerating the millennium of Liberty. He placed his cross 
upon the name of John Adams-removed the legislature to Salem- 
enforced the Boston Port Bill and seemed to tax his ingenuity to enrage 
the people. On convening, the members of the legislature requested 
the governor to fix a day for a general fast which he peremptorily 
refused. As well might he have undertaken to extinguish a flaming 
fire with pitch, as to refuse this boon to the descendants of the Puri- 
tans. The people en masse venerated religion and would not yield to 
the violation of ancient custom. 

The legislature then proceeded to project a general congress. Go- 
vernor Gage sent his secretary with an order to pro7'ogue-the door was 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



13 



locked against him-patriotic resolutions were passed and five delegates 
appointed to meet a national convention, one of whom was John 
Adams. 

At the appointed time he repaired to Philadelphia-took his seat in 
that assemblage of sages, whose wisdom has been sung by the most 
brilliant poets, applauded by the most eloquent orators-admired by 
the most sagacious statesmen of the civilized world. On reading the 
proceedings of the first congress in 1774, Chatham remarked, " I have 
studied and admired the free states of antiquity, the master spirits of 
the world-but, for solidity of reasoning, force of sagacity and wisdom 
of conclusion, no body of men can stand above this congress," 

Some supposed the ardent zeal of Mr. Adams might induce rash- 
ness. Not so-he was calm as a summer morning but firm as the 
granite shores of his birth-place. He was discreet, prudent-the last 
man to violate or submit to the violation of constitutional law. He 
kept his helm hard-up-knew when to lufF-when to take the larboard 
tack-when to spread and when to take in sail. He was one of the 
few who believed the mother country would remain incorrigible-that 
petitions would be vain-addresses futile-remonstrances unavailing. 

At the close of that congress Mr. Adams had a close conversation 
with Patrick Henry in which he expressed a full conviction, that 
resolves, declarations of rights, enumeration of wrongs, petitions, 
remonstrances, addresses, associations and non-importation agree- 
ments-however they might be accepted in America and however 
necessary to cement the union of the colonies, would be waste water 
in England. Mr. Henry believed they might make an impression 
among the people of England, but that they would be lost upon the 
government. Mr. Adams had just received a hasty letter from 
Major Hawley of Northampton, which concluded with these pro- 
phetic words, " after all we must Jight." Mr. Henry raised his hands 
and vehemently exclaimed, " I am of that man's mind." Richard 
Henry Lee held a contrary opinion-Washington was in doubt. The 
two former based their conclusions on the past and present from 
which they drew deductions for the future. They penetrated the 
arcanum of human nature, passed in review the multiform circum- 
stances that were impelling the two nations to action-understood well 
tliat inflated power-backed by superior physical force-deluded by 
obstinacy and avarice, is callous to the refined feelings of humanity- 
deaf to wisdom-blind to justice. Lee, equally determined to vindicate 



14 THESAGESANDHEROES 

tight and oppose iirong,co\\\^ not believe the ministry would dethrone 
reason and court ruin. 

Washington, deep in reflection, an impartial and strong investigator- 
his soul overflowing with the milk of human kindness, did not arrive 
rapidly at conclusions on so momentous a subject. In weighing the 
causes of difference between the two countries-reason, justice and 
hope, on the one side-power, corruption and avarice on the other-at 
that time held his mind in equiiibrio. He clearly perceived the right 
and fondly but faintly hoped England would see it too and govern 
herself accordingly. He was as prompt to act as the others vvhen 
action became necessary. 

Mr. Adams returned among his friends and stood approved by his 
constituents and his country. His pen was again brought into service, 
in answering a series of ingenious essays written by Mr. Sewell in 
favor of the supremacy of Parliament. Over the name of " Nonvan- 
glus," Mr. Adams stripped the gay ornaments and gaudy apparel 
from the brazen image Mr. Sewell had presented to the public gaze. 
A meagre skeleton of visible deformity was all that remained. Attorney 
General Sewell trembled as he received the deep cuts from the falchion 
quill of this devoted patriot. So profound was his reasoning-so learned 
were his expositions-so clear and conclusive were his demonstrations- 
that his antagonist exclaimed, as he retired in a rage from the conflict, 
" He strives to hide his inconsistencies under a huge pile of learning." 

The pile proved too " huge" for royal power and supplied the people 
with an abundance of light. 

The supremacy of parliament was an unfortunate issue for minis- 
ters. It placed the patriots in a position to hurl their darts at them 
without refusing allegiance to the king. The British cabinet worked 
out its own destruction with regard to the American colonies-if not 
with fear and trembling it was with blindness and disgrace-impolicy 
and injustice-obstinacy and infatuation. 

In May, 1775, Mr. Adams again took his seat in Congress with 
renewed responsibilities resting upon him. Revolution was rolling 
fearfully upon his bleeding country-hope of redress was expiring like 
the last flickerings of a taper-dark and portentous clouds were con- 
centrating-the ministerial ermine was steeped in blood-the dying 
groans of his fellow-citizens and the lamentations of widows and 
orphans had fallen upon his ears and the prophetic conclusion arrived 
at by him and Henry but a few months previous, was forced upon the 
mind of every patriot, " after all we must fight." 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 15 

is a preliminary measure it was necessary to appoint a leader of 
..ie military forces to be raised. To fix upon the best man was of vital 
mportance. Some thought the measure premature. Not so with the 
sons of New England. When the blood of their friends was wantonly 
shed upon the heights of Lexington they hung their siren harps upon 
the weeping willows that stood mournfully over the graves of their 
murdered brethren. In their view, war was inevitable. A com- 
mander-in-chief must be appointed. Several prominent persons were 
named in private conversations. John Adams, alone, had fixed his 
mind upon George Washington, in whom he saw the commingled 
qualities of philanthropist, philosopher, statesman, hero and Christian. 
All opposed his appointment at first but gradually yielded to the rea- 
sons urged by John Adams. Satisfied that the measure would be 
approved by a majority, he rose in Congress and proposed that a 
commander of the American armies should be appointed. When his 
resolution passed, he described the requisite qualities of the man to fill 
this important station and remarked with great emphasis-" such a man 
is within these walls.'' But few knew to whom he referred, no one be- 
lieving himself duly and truly prepared or properly vouched for as a 
military man. A pause-a painful suspense-then the name of Col. 
George Washington of Virginia was announced by Mr. Adams. 
No one could be more surprised than the nominee. No intimation of 
the intended honor had been made to him. The vote was taken the 
day following and was unanimous in his favor. So judicious was this 
selection that La Fayette remarked-" It was the consequence of Provi- 
dential inspiration." Be it so-John Adams was the patriot who nomi- 
nated him-thus placing at the head of the American armies just such 
a maa as the crisis required-prudent, dignified, bold, sagacious, patient, 
persevering-vmiversally esteemed by the friends of FREEDOM-adniired 
by the most fervent friends of the crown. 

In 1776 Mr. Adams again took his seat in the National Assembly, 
The period had arrived for decisive measures. Massachusetts had 
been disfranchised by Parliament. England had hired legions of sol- 
diers from German princes to subdue rebels in America. The last note 
of peace had been sung by echo-every patriot became convinced that 
resistance or slavery were the two horns of the dilemma presented. 
Independence had been conceived but by a few. It was a startling 
proposition. At this juncture Mr. Adams marked out a bold course 
and had the moral courage to pursue it. On the 6th of May he offered 
a resolution, proposing that the colonies should organize a government 



16 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

independent of England. On the 10th of the same month it was modi- 
fied and adopted, recommending such government by the colonies " as 
might be conducive to the happiness and safety of their constituents in 
particular and America in general." All admitted the justice of this 
measure but some opposed it on the ground of the physical imbecility 
of the colonies-already crowded with a hireling army and their shores 
lined with a powerful navy. Mr. Adams knew no middle course. 
He had succeeded in obtaining the adoption of the preface to his broad 
folio of an independent compact-he then proceeded to prepare the text. 
He had commenced the work of political regeneration. Each day 
new and genuine converts were made. The legislature of his own 
state encouraged him to strike for independence. North Carolina had 
openly started the ball-Virginia gave it a new impetus and on the 7th 
of June, Richard Henry Lee became the organ to present the propo- 
sition to Congress. A most animated discussion ensued. Then the 
powers of Mr. Adams were more fully developed. Mr. Jefferson said 
of him, in alluding to his debates on the Declaration of Independence- 
" John Adams was the pillar of its support on the floor of Congress-its 
ablest advocate and defender against the multifarious assaults it en- 
countered. He was our Colossus on the floor-not grace%l, not ele- 
gant, not always fluent in his public addresses-yet he came out with 
a power, both of thought and expression, that moved us from our 
seats." 

The noblest powers of his soul were ra'ped to the zenith of their 
strength, determined to accomplish the mighty work he had com- 
menced. Although one of the committee to prepare the instrument 
of eternal separation, he confided the labor to his colleagues-spending 
his whole force upon the opponents of the measure. Manfully did he 
contend-gloriously did he triumph. He bore down upon his adversa- 
ries like a mountain torrent-a rushing avalanche-hurling the arrows 
of conviction with such precision and effect that a majority soon be- 
came converted to the measure. 

The day for decision arrived. The 4th of July, 1776, dawned aus- 
piciously upon the patriots. At the appointed hour they assembled. 
The past, the present, the impenetrable future, big with coming events- 
rushed upon their minds. Moments flew-the pulse quickened-the 
heart-throb increased-bosoms expanded-eyes brightened-patriotism 
rose in majesty sublime-the question was put-the Gordian knot was 
^unaered-lNDEPENDENCE was declared-the colonies were free-LiB 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 17 

JKRTY was proclaimed-a nation was redeemed-regenerated-disen- 
thralled and born in a day. 

Early in the winter of 1776 Mr. Adams wrote a form of govern- 
ment for the colonies which was substantially the same as the present 
constitutions of the states. It was first submitted to Richard Henry 
Lee in a letter with these remarks. 

"A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge 
among the people and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming 
freemen. A general emulation takes place which causes good humor, 
sociability, good manners and good morals to be general. That eleva- 
tion of sentiment, inspired by such a government, makes the common 
people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by 
it makes them sober, industrious and frugal. You will find among 
them some elegance, perhaps, but more solidity-a little pleasure but a 
great deal of business-some politeness but more civility. If you com- 
pare such a country with the regions of domination, whether mo- 
narchical or aristocratical, you will fancy yourself in Arcadia or Ely- 
sium," 

Here is inscribed upon the tablet of truth the blessings derived from 
a government like our own in its principles-faithfuUy adhered to by 
every true patriot but trampled under foot by the demagogues of the 
present day and the aristocracy of all time. 

Among all the great men of our country, no one has exhibited a 
more clear and minute conception of human nature and human gov- 
ernment, than John Adams. He traced causes and effects through all 
their labyrinthian meanderings and deduced conclusions that seemed 
the result of inspiration. Many of his predictions of the future bear 
the impress of prophecy and show how deeply he investigated-how 
clearly he perceived. 

On his return from Congress, Mr. Adams was elected to the legisla- 
ture of Massachusetts under the new constitution. He was also ap- 
pointed Chief Justice which he declined. 

In 1777 he resumed his seat in Congress and performed an amount 
of labor, which, if imposed upon any ten demagogue legislators of the 
present day might induce suicide. He was an active member of ninety 
committees-chairman of twenty-five-chairman of the board of war and 
appeals, discharged all his duties promptly and was uniformly in his 
seat when any important measure was under discussion. 

In December, 1777, he was appointed a commissioner to France. 
In February following he embarked on board the frigate Boston. 
During the voyage a British armed ship hove in sight-an action com- 
3 



18 THESAGESANDHEROES 

menceJ-Mr. Adams seized a musket, gave the enemy a well-directed 
shot but was immediately deprived of this recreation by Capt. TucKer, 
who led him out of danger, pleasantly remarking-" I am commanded 
by the Continental Congress to carry you in safety to Europe and I 
will do it." 

Before his arrival, Dr. Franklin and his colleague had succeeded in 
concluding a treaty of alliance with the French nation. After an 
absence of a little more than a year he returned and was elected to a 
convention of his native state, convened for the purpose of perfecting 
a constitution and the full organization of government. The original 
draft of the constitution of Massachusetts is from his pen. Before his 
term closed in this convention he was appointed by Congress-" A min- 
ister plenipotentiary for negotiating a treaty of peace and a treaty of 
commerce with Great Britain." In Oct. 1779, he embarked from 
Boston. The passage was boisterous, it being February before he 
arrived at Paris. Chagrin and pride prevented the British ministry 
from at once placing themselves on an equality with our own. The 
negotiation, on their part, commenced with equivocations. Mr. Adams 
could not be ensnared and was determined to submit to nothing wrong 
and left them to farther reflection. 

On learning that Mr. Laurens, American commissioner to Holland, 
had been captured, Mr. Adams repaired to that kingdom. In August 
he received a commission from Congress to negotiate a loan-to con- 
clude a treaty of amity and commerce and to accede to any treaty of 
neutral rights that might arise from regulations to be made by a con- 
gress of the European states then in contemplation. In a few months 
he was overwhelmed with important duties. Minister to Great Britain- 
to the States General of HoUand-to all the European states for pledg- 
ing the United States to the armed neutrality-with letters of credit to 
the Russian, Swedish and Danish envoys in Holland and a commis- 
sioner to negotiate a loan of ten millions of dollars for the support of 
the Home department and foreign embassies. All these duties he dis- 
±arged with skill and approbation, a lasting monument of the gigantic 
powers of his mind. At every point he encountered intrigue which he 
uniformly discovered and crushed in embryo. 

In July, 1781, he was directed to repair to Versailles to make a 
further attempt at negotiation with England. Ti;o terms oflfered did 
not fully recognize the rights of the United States as an independent 
nation. Peace was desirable and ardently urged by the Duke de Ver- 
gennes, who was the head and front of the French cabinet. Mr. Ad- 
ams was anxious for peace-but only on just, dignified and honorable 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 19 

terms. The Duke, who had uniformly manifested a disposition to 
make the United States feel a dependence on France, dictated to Mr. 
Adams, placing him in the position of a subordinate agent. This was 
a French bull. Mr. Adams recognized no dictator but the Continental 
Congress and his own keen perception and penetrating judgment. 
This independence of the American minister enraged the Duke. He 
wrote to the minister of France in the United States to lay a formal 
complaint before Congress against the recusant for insubordination. 
This the minister did ingeniously but not successfully. As a matter 
of respect for their new and important ally, Congress partially modified 
the instructions of Mr. Adams but did not place him under the dicta- 
tion of the Duke as requested. They knew the granite man too well 
to suppose he would ever compromise the dignity of his country. 
They had full confidence in his capacity to perceive right-in his moral 
courage to enforce it. 

From all the evidence in the premises I am fully convinced that the 
motives of the French Court in aiding our country during the revolu- 
tionary struggle, were not based on patriotism but had ulterior objects 
in view. Not so with the noble La Fayette and others who came to 
the rescue. 

Again Mr. Adams left ministers to arrive at a second sober thought 
and learn their true position. He then returned to Amsterdam. 

Owing to sad reverses in the cause of freedom the French minister 
made such an impression in favour of the position of the French 
cabinet as an umpire between England and the United States, that 
congress added to the commission of Mr. Adams-Dr. Franklin, Jeffer- 
son, Jay, and Laurens-with the humiliating directions, " That they 
should govern themselves by the advice and opinion of the ministers 
of the King of France." The Duke de Vergennes was elated with 
triumph. He was virtually made sovereign minister of the United 
States. This act is the darkest spot upon the proud escutcheon of the 
Continental Congress-an act that I would gladly " expunge from the 
record." No full apology can be found. The tremendous revolu- 
tionary tornado that was then sweeping over our country, charged 
with the dismaying materials of terror, is a partial one and the true 
cause of this quailing error. 

The exultation of the Duke was transient. Adams and Franklin 
were there, masters of ceremony. They dared to disobey instructions 
believing they had been improperly extorted by an intriguing and de- 
signing court. They at once took a bold stand and were promptly 
sustained by their colleagues and ultimately by congress, to which 



20 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Adams communicated the chicanery of the Duke and the dupUcity, or 
rather the tooUcity of the French minister in the United States. The 
result was glorious. An honourable peace was obtained-the dignity 
of our nation preserved. A provincial treaty was signed at Paris on 
the 30th of November, 1782 and a definitive treaty on the 3d day of 
September, 17S3 and all without the advice or consent of the Duke 
de Vergennes, whose golden schemes of finesse proved abortive. 
He addressed a bitter letter of reproach to the American commis- 
sioners, expressing great astonishment at their presumption in daring 
to act independent of him, which was not answered. 

Among the golden schemes of the court of France, two are worthy 
of particular note. 1. To secure to France and Spain the fisheries of 
the United States. 2. To secure the perpetual and uninterrupted 
navigation of the Mississippi. Very modest. Other propositions 
were made, equally absurd, all of which form an unanswerable excuse 
for our commissioners in disobeying instructions. 

After the important commission of concluding peace with England 
was completed, Mr. Adams returned to Holland where he had nego- 
tiated a loan of eight millions of guilders in September, 1782, which 
was one of the means of terminating the war by enabling the United 
States to prosecute it with more vigor. It had a direct influence on 
England, inducing Lord Shelburne to make proposals of peace soon 
after this was known. 

During the same year he was placed at the head of a commission 
empowered to negotiate commercial treaties with all foreign nations. 
He returned to Paris where he met Franklin and Jefferson who were 
associated with him-forming a trio of combined, versatile and exalted 
talent-never surpassed if ever equalled. 

In 1785 Mr. Adams was appointed the first minister to Great Bri- 
tain after the acknowledgment of the Independence of the United 
States. He was received with marked attention and courtesy so far 
as courtly etiquette was concerned but found the ministry morose and 
bitter towards the new Republic. They seemed disposed to treat the 
peace as a mere truce between the two nations. Mr. Adams per- 
formed the delicate duties of his station with great sagacity and 
wisdom-patiently removing subsisting difficulties. Nor did he Ibrget 
the internal interests of his country at home. To win independence 
was one thing-to preserve it another and more important matter. The 
theories of a Republican form of government by Thurgot and others, 
had been freely circulated in the United States. These he deemed 
wild and visionary. This was proved by the transient existence of 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 21 

the first French Republic and has been more fully demonstrated 
recently in Europe and South America. More success might attend 
these experiments, even with imperfect skeletons of a free government 
were the people as well prepared to receive it as were the colonists at 
the time of the American Revolution. Intelligence and iirimitive 
Christianity must pervade the mass. The European pioneers came to 
this country with the bible in their hands and based our government 
upon its eternal principles, where it will securely rest until ignorance 
darkens intellect and the bible is banished. Let all read its plain 
truths, teaching, as they do, freedom in religion, freedom of conscience- 
pointing us to our high origin and final destiny-then our Republic 
cannot be destroyed by kingly influence, aristocratic corruption, ultra 
fanaticism, reckless demagogues, or heartless politicians. Troubles 
have arisen, now exist, may continue to occasionally break out-but 
they ever have been and I trust ever will be confined to a small por- 
tion of the great and accumulating ma.ss-the bone and sinew of our 
beloved country. 

To strip from these delusive theories of a free government their 
sophistry, Mr. Adams published a learned and able disquisition on 
Republican constitutions which became a polar star to his own country 
and operated powerfully in correcting error and allaying prejudices in 
England adverse to the United States. His "Defence op the Con- 
stitution" placed him on a lofty literary eminence in view of the 
literati of Europe. 

In 1788 he obtained permission to return home and in the autumn 
of that year was elected the first Vice President of the United States. 
He became the confidential counsellor of Washington on all important 
questions. He was re-elected in 1792 and in 1796 was elected 
President of that Republic for which he had freely periled life, for- 
tune and honor. 

At that time party spirit had commenced its reckless career which 
afforded an example set by Adams and Jefferson worthy of all praise 
and imitation. No bitterness of party spirit, no abuses from their 
partisans and party press, could sever the patriotic and moral ties of 
friendship that bound them together up to the time death removed 
them from the theatre of life. So high did party spirit rage that Mr. 
Jefferson thus rebuked a clique of politicians who were hurling slan- 
ders against Mr. Adams. 

" Gentlemen, you do not know that man. There is not upon earth 
a more perfectly honest man than John Adams. Concealment is no 
part of his character. Of that he is utterly incapable. It is not in his 



22 THE SAGES ANDHEROES 

nature to meditate anything he would not publish to the world. The 
measures of the general government are a fair subject for difference 
of opinion-but do not found your opinions on the notion that there is 
the smallest spice of dishonesty, moral or political, in the character of 
John Adams for I know him well and I repeat-that a man more per- 
fectly honest never issued from the hands of the Creator." Dema- 
gogues-read the above just encomium upon his opponent by a candi- 
date for an ofEce-then search for a parallel case of magnanimity 
among modern politicians-if you find one, proclaim it to the people 
of our vast country that they may be convinced a true patriot is in 
our midst-a lump of genuine salt in the body politic. 

Mr. Adams proceeded to the conscientious and independent dis- 
charge of his presidential duties, prompted by the best motives for the 
good and glory of the infant Republic. He was an open, frank old- 
school federalist. During his administration the ranks of the demo- 
cratic party increased rapidly, which defeated his re-election. Much 
has been written and more said relative to the causes that produced 
his political overthrow. To my mind the solution is plain and brief 
His cabinet was not of his own choice-he was too independent to bend 
to party intrigue-he opposed the humiliating demands of the then self- 
styled democratic France-he advocated the augmentation of the navy 
of the United States and recommended the law for the suppression of 
the venality of the press. In the two first points he was impolitic as 
the head of a party-in the two next he did what all now acknowledge 
to be right in principle. On the last, he took the wrong method to 
correct an evil that has caused unceasing trouble from that time to the 
present-an evil that will ever exist in a government hke ours, because, 
in annihilating this, we should destroy an essential part of our political 
machinery-A free press. The three last were the strong points seized 
upon by his opponents, which enabled them to achieve an easy vic- 
tory. He retired with a good grace on the best of terms with his suc- 
cessful opponent and his own conscience. He supported the policy of 
Mr. Jefferson towards England and approved of the declaration of war 
in June 1812. He attributed the opposition of the eastern states to 
the impolicy of our government in neglecting the navy. He compared 
them to Achilles, who, in consequence of his being deprived, of Briseis, 
withdrew from the Grecian confederacy. The increase of the navy 
wasa long-nursed theory of his national policy. Had his views been 
carried out by our country, our nation would now have been mistress 
of the seas. As it is, we have scarcely armed vessels enough to pro- 
tect the expanding commerce of our enterprising merchants-a fact that 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 23 

is often tauntingly referred to by Englishmen and has often crimsoned 
the cheeks of hberal-minded Americans. If all the money that has 
been expended within the last twenty years in worse than useless 
legislation and speech-making throughout these United States had 
been appropriated in building ships of war, our navy would now be 
larger than that of Great Britain. Add what has gone into the hands 
of peculators since the formation of our Republic-it would sustain that 
navy for thirty years. Some of our people have been occasionally a 
little too free. 

Soon after his retirement from the presidential chair, Mr. Adams 
was solicited to become the governor of his native state, which he 
declined on account of his advanced age. In 1817 he was placed at 
the head of the list of presidential electors. In 1820 he was elected 
president of the convention that revised the constitution that he had 
written forty years previous. The compliment was duly appreciated 
by him but his infirmities did not permit him to preside. He imparted 
much counsel and rendered special aid in the revision. This was the 
last public act of this great man. Two years before this, the partner 
of his bosom had gone to her final rest-an affliction most keenly felt 
by him. She was a Christian-to know was to love her. 

Surrounded by friends who delighted to honor him-his country 
prosperous and happy-enjoying the full fruition of divine grace which 
had produced the green foliage of piety through a long life -political 
animosities buried in oblivion-his now frail bark glided smoothly down 
the stream of time until the fiftieth anniversary of Independence 
dawned upon our beloved country. On the morning of the 4th of 
July 1826, an unexpected debility seized him but no one supposed he 
was standing on the last inch of his time. He was asked for a senti- 
ment to be given for him at the celebration on that day. " Indepen- 
dence FOREVER," burst from his dying lips, which Avere the last words 
he ever uttered with a loud and animated voice. He expired about 
four in the afternoon without a groan, sigh, murmur or apparent pain, 
with a full assurance of a happy reception in that brighter world where 
sin and sorrow never interrupt the peaceful joys of the angelic throng. 

On the same day and but a few hours previous, the immortal spirit 
of the illustrious Jefferson had left its tenement of clay, thrown off its 
mortal coil and returned to Him who gave it. Perhaps these kindred 
spirits met in mid air and ascended together to an ecstatic meeting 
with the friends they had loved and lost and whom they should gain, 
love and never lose. 

This unparalleled coincidence in death proauced a deep sensation 



24 TIIESAGESANDHEROES 

in the United States and in Europe. The simultaneous departure of 
two of the noblest spirits that ever graced the theatre of human life- 
illuminating the world with freedom-whose acts had elicited the admi- 
ration of all civilized nations-whose mighty deeds will be a theme of 
praise through all time-was an incident that seemed designed by the 
great Jehovah to impress their precepts-their examples and their 
names upon the minds of the human family with all the force of Di- 
vinity. 

Mr. Adams was a plain man, low in stature, not graceful in his 
movements-at times rather repulsive. In public he was austere but 
in the social circle, familiar, pleasing and instructive. He disliked 
formal ceremony and abhorred pedantry. He admired and exempli- 
fied strong common sense. He spoke his sentiments freely and could 
not have been transformed into a modern tech?iical politician. His 
open frankness was proverbial. He called it one of his failings. 
When looking at Stuart's fine paintings, he fixed his eyes upon the 
portrait of Washington with compressed mouth-then upon his own, 
with open lips, and facetiously remarked-" Ah ! that fellow never could 
keep his mouth shut." Such a man never can be a, popular politician 
as the writer knows from experience. 

The highest eulogy that can be pronounced upon John Adams is 
the history of his bright and useful career. For more than half a cen- 
tury he served our country ably and faithfully. He contiiuied to im- 
part salutary counsel until the curtain of death closed the scene. 

In all the relations of private life he was too pure for the palsying 
touch of slander. The foulest of all pestiferous atmospheres-party 
spirit-could not, dare not approach his private character with its damn- 
ing miasma or impute to his public action an iota of political disho- 
nesty or impurity of motive. If any demagogue dares to contradict 
this position, let him hear the voice of Jefferson from the tomb-"AN 

HONESTER MAN THAN JoHN AdAMS NEVER ISSUED FROM THE HANPS OF 

THE Creator." 



SAMUEL ADAMS. 

Many of the sages and heroes of the American Revolution were con- 
sistent and devoted Christians-some of them eminent ministers of the 
gospel of Christ. They all were evidently actuated by motives of 
purity, prompted by the demands of imperious duty based upon the 
inalienable rights of man. They had no innate love of military glory 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 25 

aiming only at conquest. Their pilgrim fathers fled from servile op- 
Dression-planted the standard of freedom in the new world-spread 
civilization over our happy land and transmitted the rich behest to 
their children. With the principles of rational liberty each succeeding 
generation was made familiar. When tyranny reared its hydra head, 
the monster was readily recognized. The people were prepared to 
drive the invading foe from their shores. 

Samuel Adams was one of the revolutionary sages who boldly 
espoused the cause of equal rights. He was born in Boston, Mass. 
on the 22d of Sept. 1722. His parents were highly respectable. His 
father was long a member of the Assembly of Massachusetts, from 
whom this son imbibed those liberal principles which he so fearlessly 
and successfully vindicated during his subsequent life. In childhood 
he exhibited a strong inquiring mind-talents of a high order. He was 
prepared for college by Mr. Lovell. His application to study was 
close-his progress rapid. His highest pleasure was found in his books. 
Being naturally sedate, his father placed him in Harvard College, be- 
lieving him destined for the gospel ministry. In that institution he 
advanced rapidly in science and in favor. During his whole course he 
was reproved but once and that for sleeping too late. In conjunction 
with other studies he had thoroughly investigated theology. The 
affairs of state had also occupied his mind. When he graduated, he 
chose for his subject of discussion the following question, "/s it law- 
ful to resist the supreme magistrate if the commonwealth cannot otherwise 
he preserved?'^ 

His hearers were astonished at the masterly manner he advocated 
the affirmative of this bold proposition. With enrapturing eloquence 
and convincing logic, he painted in vivid colors the beauties of that 
liberty for which he so nobly contended during the Revolution. From 
that time he became a prominent politician-an advocate of equal 
rights-a stern opposer of British wrongs. 

By rigid economy during his time in college he had saved a sum 
of money from that allowed him by his father to defray expenses. 
This first fruit of his pecuniary prudence he sacrificed upon the altar 
of Liberty. With it he published a pamphlet from his own pen en- 
titled-" The Englishman's Rights." This was one of the entering 
wedges of the Revolution. It awakened a spirit of inquiry-kindled 
a flame of opposition to the increasing oppression of the crown. It 
did great credit to the head and heart of this devoted patriot then 
dawning into manhood. 

Anxious that his son should embark in some business his father 
4 



26 THESAGESANDHEROES 

placed him in the counting-house of Thomas Gushing, an eminent 
merchant, that he might be prepared for commercial business. For 
this sphere nature had not designed him. Political knowledge, inter- 
national law and the rights of man engrossed his mind. To this end 
he formed a club of kindred spirits for the purpose of political inquiry 
and discussion. They furnished political essays for the Independent 
Advertiser which were so severe in their strictures upon the conduct 
of the creatures of the crown, that the association obtained the name 
of " Whipping Post Club." The hirehngs of the King treated these 
essays with derision-upon the people they exerted an influence that 
prepared them for the approaching crisis. Stamped with plain truth, 
sound reasoning, uncontroverted facts-they operated upon British 
power like the sea-worm upon a vessel-silently and slowly but with 
sure destruction. They contributed largely in perforating each plank 
of the proud ship of monarchy, then riding over the American colo- 
nies, until she sank to rise no more. 

After remaining a suitable time with Mr. Gushing, his father fur- 
nished him with a liberal capital with which he commenced business. 
Owing to the pernicious credit system he lost all his stock in trade. 
By the death of his father he was left, at the age of twenty-five, to 
take charge of the paternal estate and family. In the discharge of 
that duty he proved himself competent to manage pecuniary matters. 
The estate was involved and under attachment-he relieved it entirely 
from debt. This done he again spent the most of his time in dissemi- 
nating liberal principles. He was a keen sarcastic writer-analyzed 
every point at issue between our own and the mother country-exposed 
the British ministry in their corrupt and corrupting policy and roused 
the indignation of the populace against their oppressive measures. 
He was hailed as one of the boldest leaders of the whig party. 

No man had examined more closely or understood better the rela- 
tive situation of Great Britain and her American Golonies. He 
weighed every circumstance in the scale of reason-based his every 
action upon the sure foundation of immutable justice. He was not 
impetuous-appealed to the judgment of his hearers and readers-sought 
to allay-not to excite the passions of men. He was a friend of order- 
opposed to sudden bursts of popular fury-to every thing that could 
produce riotous and tumultuous proceedings. Religion, in its pristine 
purity, was ever his polar star. 

Organized and systematic opposition against the unwarranted en- 
croachments of the crown, emanating from the great majority of the 
sovereign people was his plan. Petitions, remonstrances-every thing 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 27 

consistent with the dignity of man to be resorted to before an appeal 
to arms. If this was rebellion it was in a very modified form. 

When the offensive Stamp Act was proclaimed he exposed its 
odious features with unsurpassed severity and boldness. When the 
climax of oppression was capped by the imposition of taxes upon 
articles of daily consumption he beheved forbearance no longer a 
virtue and openly advocated resistance as an imperious duty. He 
demonstrated fully that Great Britain had violated the constitution. 
Americans had vainly claimed protection under its banner-its sacred 
covering was rudely snatched from over them-they were left exposed 
to foreign officers who were drawing them closer and more effectually 
within the coils of tyranny. To be slaves or freemen was the question. 

Being a member of the assembly and clerk of the house, Mr. 
Adams exercised an extensive and salutary influence. With great 
zeal he united prudence and discretion. From 1765, to the time he 
took his seat in congress he was a member of the state assembly. He 
had exerted the noblest powers of his mind to prepare the people 
for the approaching storm and had kindled a flame of patriotic fire 
that increased in volume as time rolled on. He was the first man 
who proposed the non-importation act-the committees of correspond- 
ence and the congress that assembled at Philadelphia in 1774. He 
corresponded with the eminent patriots of the middle and southern 
states and contributed largely in producing unity of sentiment and 
concert of action in the glorious cause of liberty throughout the colo- 
nies. Over his own constituents his influence was complete. At the 
sound of his voice the fury of a Boston mob would cease. He could 
lead it at pleasure with a single hair. The people knew well he 
would maintain what was clearly right and willingly submit to no- 
thing clearly wrong. 

When the affray occurred on the 5th of March, 1770, between the 
British soldiers and citizens, the influence of Samuel Adams prevented 
the further effusion of blood after the populace had become roused 
and were on the point of avenging the death of their friends who had 
just fallen. He obtained the immediate attention of the assembled 
enraged multitude-proposed the appointment of a committee to wait 
on the governor and request the immediate removal of the troops. 
His plan was approved-a committee appointed of which he was 
chairman. The governor at first refused to grant the request. The 
chairman met all his objections fearlessly-confuted them triumphantly 
and told him plainly that an immediate compliance with the wishes 
of the people would alone prevent disastrous consequences and that 



28 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

he would be held responsible for the further waste of human life. The 
governor finally yielded. 

Mr. Adams was one day surprised by a message from Gov. Gage 
communicated through Col. Fenton, offering him what modern truck- 
ling politicians would call a great inducement to change and in case he 
refased, to inform him he would be arrested and sent beyond the seas 
there to be tried for high treason. To the last part of the message he 
listened with most attention and asked Col. Fenton if he would truly 
deliver his answer. Receiving an affirmative assurance Mr. Adams 
rose from his chair, assumed an air of withering contempt and said- 
" I trust I have long since made my peace with the King op Kings. 
No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous 
cause of my countrj^ Tell Gov. Gage it is the advice of Samuel 
Adams to him-wo longer to exasperate the feelings of an insulted peopled 
This reply roused the ire of the royal governor and when he subse- 
quently issued a proclamation offering a free pardon to those rebels 
who would return to what he termed their duty he excepted Samuel 
Adams and John Hancock-the highest compliment within his power 
to bestow on the two patriots. They received this mark of distinction 
as a special commission from the throne directing their future course- 
a royal diploma of liberty that left them as free as mountain air in 
their future action. 

No bribe could seduce-no threat divert Mr. Adams from the path 
of duty. He placed his trust in the Rock of Ages-enjoyed the rich 
consolations of an approving conscience-the unlimited confidence of 
his friends, the approbation of every patriot. These were more dearly 
prized by him than all the dazzling honors of kings and potentates. 
He became an object of vengeance and was the immediate cause of 
the memorable battle at Lexington on the 19th of April 1775-the 
troops sent being in pursuit of him and John Hancock. Apprised of 
their mission Gen. Joseph Warren sent an express late in the evening 
to the two patriots warning them of approaching danger. In a few 
minutes after they had left, the British troops entered the house which 
they had just emerged from. In a few ominous hours the crimson 
curtain rose-the revolutionary tragedy commenced. The last mater- 
nal cord was severed-the great seal of the original compact was 
broken-the covenants of the two parties were cancelled in blood. 

Mr. Adams remained in the neighborhood during the night. The 
next morning, as the sun rose without an intervening cloud, he 
remaiked to a friend, " This is a glorious day for America." He 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 29 

viewed the sacrifice as an earnest of ultimate success and future bless- 
ings. 

To rouse the people to action now became the sole business of this 
devoted friend of his bleeding country. The grand signal for action 
had been given-the tocsin of war had been sounded-the requiem of 
battle had been sung-its soul-stirring notes had been wafted far and 
Avide on the wings of wind and were responded to by millions of 
patriotic hearts. 

Mr. Adams mourned deeply the death of his friends, the martyrs of 
that tragical but auspicious day. He knew well that martyrs must be 
sacrificed and that the funeral knell of those who had just fallen would 
shake British colonial power to its very centre. He believed their 
blood would cry to Heaven for vengeance and incite the hardy sons 
of Columbia's soil to vigorous and triumphant action. The event 
added new strength to his propulsive powers and doubly nerved him 
to meet the fiery trials in reserve for him. As dangers increased he 
became more urgent for the people to maintain their rights. As the 
wrath of his enemies waxed hotter he Avas more highly appreciated 
by the people and was uniformly styled-S amuel Mams the Patriot. 
His fame and influence strengthened under persecution, his friends 
were animated by his counsels, his foes were astounded and chagrined 
at the boldness of his onward career. In the Assembly he eff'ected the 
passage of a series of resolutions deemed treasonable by the royal 
governor. 

In the Congress of 1776 he was among the first to advocate the 
Declaration of Independence-contending that it should have followed 
immediately after the battle of Lexington. In all his debates he was 
earnest and zealous but not rash-ardent and decisive but wise and 
judicious. When the Declaration of Rights was adopted he affixed 
his name to that important instrument without the least hesitation 
although he stood proscribed by the royal power. 

During the darkest periods of the Revolution he was calm and 
cheerful and did much to reanimate the desponding. In 1777 when 
Congress was obliged to fly to Lancaster and a dismal gloom hung 
over the cause of the patriots like a mantle of darkness several of the 
members were in company with Mr, Adams lamenting the disasters 
of the American arms, concluding that the chances for success were 
desperate. Mr. Adams promptly replied-" If this be our language, 
they are so indeed. If we wear long faces they will become fashion- 
able. Let us banish such feelings and show a spirit that will keep 
alive the confidence of the people. Better tidings will soon arrive. 



30 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Our cause is just and righteous. We shall never be abandoned by 
Heaven while we show ourselves worthy of its aid and protection.'' 
At that time there were but twenty-eight members in Congress. Mr. 
Adams said-" It was the smallest but truest Congress they ever had." 

Soon after that dark period the surrender of Burgoyne was an- 
nounced which proved a panacea for long faces and put a new aspect 
upon the cause of Liberty. Many recovered from a relapsed state- 
hearts beat more freely, courage revived from a typhoid stupor-thc 
anchor of hope held the ship of state more firmly to her moorings. 

The arrival of Lord Howe and Mr. Eden with what they termed 
the olive branch of peace from Lord North, added to the excitement. 
Mr. Adams was one of the committee to meet these high functionaries. 
On examining the terms proposed, the committee found that the pro- 
posed olive branch had been plucked from the Bohun Upas of an over- 
bearing and corrupt ministry and promptly replied through Mr. Adams- 
" Congress will attend to no terms of peace that are inconsistent with 
the honor of an independent nation." This reply was as unexpected 
to the royal messengers as it was laconic and patriotic. The grand 
Rubicon had been passed-the galling chains had been thrown off-the 
Sodom of Britisli power was doomed and nothing could induce the 
sages and heroes of '76 to look back or tarry on the plain of monarchy. 
Lord Howe and his colleague had permission to return-report progress 
of locomotion and walk again. Mr. Adams continued one of the 
strong pillars in the rising temple of liberty luitil the superstructure 
was completed-recognized and approved by the mother country and 
all Europe. 

In 1787 he was a member of the convention of Massachusetts con- 
vened to act upon the Federal Constitution. He did not fully approve 
of some of its provisions but avoided opposition believing it to be the 
best policy to adopt it, subject to future amendments. He was most 
particularly opposed to the article rendering the states amenable to the 
national courts. He submitted sundry amendments that were adopted 
by the convention and submitted with the Constitution for the future 
consideration of Congress, some of which have since been adopted. 

From 1789 to '94, Mr. Adams was lieutenant-governor of his native 
state and from that time to '97, was governor. He performed the 
executive duties with great ability and contributed largely in raising 
the commonwealth to a flourishing and dignified condition. He 
watched over all her interests with parental care-viewed her rising 
greatness with an honest pride. He had seen her sons writhing under 
the lash of oppression and their bones bleaching in the field. He now 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 31 

beheld the people independent, prosperous, virtuous and happy. He 
could now be gathered peacefully to his fathers when his time should 
arrive to depart. Age and infirmity compelled him to retire from the; 
great theatre of public life where he had been so long conspicuous. 
His health continued to fail sensibly with each returning autumn. On 
the 3d of October 1803, his immortal spirit left its mansion of clay- 
soared aloft on the wings of faith to mansions of bliss beyond the 
skies. He died rejoicing in the merits of his immaculate Redeemer 
who had given him the victory. He had fought the good fight of 
faith as well as that of Liberty and felt a full assurance of receiving 
a crown of glory at the hands of King Immanuel. 

Amidst all the turmoils of political and revolutionary strife Mr. 
Adams never neglected religious duty. When at home he was faithful 
to the family altar and uniformly attended public worship when prac- 
ticable. He was a consistent every day Christian-free from bigotry 
and fanaticism-not subject to sudden expansions and contractions of 
mind-rather puritanical in his views yet charitable in his feelings and 
opposed to censuring any one for the sake of opinion. He adorned 
his profession by purity of conduct at all times. 

Mr. Adams was of middle size, well formed, with a countenance 
full of intelligence indicating firmness of purpose and energy of action. 
As a public man and private citizen he was highly esteemed and 
richly earned a place in the front rank of the American patriots. He 
placed a low value upon wealth-died poor but not the less esteemed 
for his poverty which was then no crime. He placed a high value 
upon common school education and properly estimated the higher 
branches of science. General intelligence among the great mass he 
considered the strongest bulwark to preserve our independence. 

As a writer Mr. Adams had few equals. His answer to Thomas 
Paine's writings against Christianity is probably superior to that of 
any other author. His few letters on government published in 1800, 
show a clear head, a good heart and a gigantic niind. 

As an orator he was eloquent, chaste, logical-rising with the mag- 
nitude of his subject. He always spoke to the point-addressing the 
understanding-not the passions. 

His manners were urbane, unaffected and plain-his mode of living 
frugal and temperate-his attachments strong-his whole life a golden 
chain of usefulness. Let his examples be imitated by all-then our 
UNION will be preserved from the iron grasp of ambitious partisans- 
the snares of designing demagogues-the whirlpool of blind fanaticism- 
the tornado of party spirit. Let these examples be discarded-our 



32 THES AG ESAND HEROES 

Union will prove a mere rope of sand-the temple of our Libertv 
will crumble and moulder iu the dust with Samuel Adams. ! think 
of this disorganizers and tremble ! 



BENEDICT ARNOLD. 

Cause is treated with cold neglect by a large portion of the human 
family. All gaze at effect-but few trace it to its producing original. 
Especially is this true with men in forming opinions of the conduct of 
their fellow-men. Petty errors are construed into crimes-petty crimes 
into felonies. Often have I known this to be the case in sectarian 
churches where charity was loudly professed but sparingly practised. 
The causes that operated upon the erring brother may have been 
extenuating but are not examined. Away with him is the simultaneous 
cry. Kindness might have reclaimed and saved him. Too rarely are 
extenuating causes sought for-too partially are they credited when 
brought to light. But a limited number stop to analyze human na- 
ture-divest themselves of prejudice and become competent to pass an 
intelligent, impartial judgment upon the conduct of others. They do 
not inquire how formidable a force of temptation they could vanquish 
if attacked by the arch enemies of ethics and Christianity. They can 
never fully know their own strength in morals until they measure 
arms with the foe. In the balmy days of prosperity a man may act 
justly in all things and be the censor of others. Reverses may drive 
this same man into great error-perhaps crime. Keen adversity is a, 
crucible from which but few emerge like gold seven times tried. 
Charity is the specific to ameliorate these evils but too cheap to obtain 
a wide circulation. Abstruse dogmas cost more labour and by many 
are more highly prized. 

There are crimes so flagrant that no extenuating circumstances can 
form a legal excuse-crimes that blight like the sirocco-crimes so dark 
that they hide the noblest deeds-the most brilliant talents-the most 
towering genius-consigning the perpetrator to lasting disgrace-en- 
during infamy. Treason stands high on the black catalogue. But 
one traitor was found among the disciples of Christ-but one was 
found among the sages and heroes of the American Revolution. That 
traitor was Benedict Arnold, a Major General in the army of the 
illustrious Washington. 

He was a native of New London, Connecticut. At the commence- 
ment of the struggle for liberty he resided at New Haven and wa? 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 33 

captain of a volunteer company. When the hoarse clarion of war 
was sounded on the heights of Lexington he was among the first to 
march his company to the American headquarters at Cambridge 
where he arrived in ten days after that painful event. 

The Massacluisetts authorities conferred upon him the commission 
of Colonel with directions to raise 400 men and make an attempt to 
capture Ticonderoga. He repaired to Castleton, Vermont, where he 
met Col. Allen. On the 10th of May, 1775, this fortress surrendered 
at discretion. On the 6th of September of that year he commenced 
his march for Canada through the dense forest with 1000 men from 
New England consisting of infantry, one company of artillery and 
three companies of riflemen. A portion of his troops were obliged to 
return for want of provision to sustain them all, through the wilder- 
ness. The balance endured the severest hardships on the march and 
arrived at Point Levi opposite Quebec at the end of six weeks. But 
from the fact that Arnold had sent a letter forward to a friend by an 
(ndian who betrayed his trust by giving information of the approach- 
ng troops it is believed Quebec would have been easily captured. 
To prevent this all means of crossing the river had been removed and 
( he fortifications put under rapid improvement. It was not until the 
flight of the 14th of October that he led his little band of 700 men up 
*>he heights that had been surmounted by Wolfe and formed them 
wear the memorable plains of Abraham. The city had become so 
well fortified that the summons to surrender was treated with con- 
tempt. To attack with so small a force would be a reckless waste of 
human life. In a few days he marched to Point aux Trembles twenty 
miles above Quebec to await the coming of Gen. Montgomery who 
arrived on the first day of December. A siege upon the city was 
immediately commenced which was successfully resisted. On the 
morning of the 31st of that month a simultaneous assault was made 
on two sides of the city in which Montgomery was killed and Arnold 
severely wounded in the leg. Officers and men behaved with great 
gallantry. No other assault was attempted-the blockade was con- 
tinued to May 1776. On the 18th of June Arnold withdrew from 
Canada. He subsequently commanded the small fleet on Lake Cham- 
pilain and exhibited great skill and bravery. 

In August, 1777, he relieved Fort Schuyler, then besieged by Col. 
St. Leger with an army of near 1800 men. At the battle near Still- 
water on the 19th September he fought like a tiger for four hours. 
After the British had been driven within their lines in the action of 
the 8th of October, Arnold pressed forward under a destructive fire 
5 



34 THESAGESANDHEROES 

and assaulted their works, forced their entrenchments and entered 
their Hnes with a handful of desperate followers and only retreated 
upon his horse being killed and himself severely wounded again in 
his unfortunate leg. For desperate bravery on the field of battle he 
had no superior. He seemed enchanted with danger and infatuated 
with miUtary glory. But this was not his ruling passion. He was 
licentious, voluptuous, amorous and epicurean. The want of means 
to fully pamper these ruinous propensities, which had destroyed all 
sense of moral rectitude-solves the problem of his treason. 

Being disqualified by his wounds for field service he was put in 
command of the garrison at Philadelphia, He made the house of 
Gov. Penn his headquarters which he furnished in princely style and 
commenced a course of extravagant living and equipage far beyond 
his salary. To raise funds he laid violent hands upon all property 
belonging to those who did not enter fully into the cause of the pa- 
triots. He oppressed, extorted, used public money and property for 
private purposes and made his public accounts more than duplicate. 
He rushed into unsuccessful trading speculations and made himself 
amenable to a series of grave charges and was summoned to appear 
before the commissioners of accounts who rejected more than half the 
amount of his charges against government. He appealed to Congress 
whose committee confirmed the report of the commissioners with the 
remark that Arnold had been allowed too much. So violent was his 
language and conduct towards his superiors that he was arraigned 
before a court-martial and sentenced to be reprimanded by Washing- 
ton. This sentence was sanctioned by Congress and promptly executed. 
His mortification had now reached its zenith. He was bankrupt in 
means-his reputation wounded-his pride lacerated. He became sur- 
charged with fell revenge-treason was the best panacea for that dark 
passion. He was quick to see that West Point would command the 
most money and inflict the deepest wound upon the cause of liberty. 
He suddenly professed deep repentance and applied to the New York 
delegation in Congress to obtain for him the command of that impor- 
tant post. Through Gen. Schuyler the same application was made to 
Washington who was anxious to have his services in the field but 
wilhng to comply with his wishes. Early in August, 1779, Arnold 
repaired to the camp of Washington and made the application in 
person without apparent anxiety, stating that his wounds disqualified 
him for field service. With full confidence in his fidelity he received 
the desired command. 

It has been intimated by some writers that the plan of treason was 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 35 

suggested to Arnold by an English courtesan with whom he was ulti- 
mate. It is true that he wrote to Col. Robinson of the British army 
upon the subject before he applied for the command. That letter 
opened to him a correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton who sanc- 
tioned the project and probably fixed the price of the base deed. On 
the conclusion of these preliminaries the traitor solicited the appoint- 
ment he received. He repaired to the garrison at West Point and 
opened an ostensible mercantile correspondence with Major Andre the 
British agent to consummate the nefarious plot. The names assumed 
were Gustavus and Anderson. For convenience of escape the British 
sloop of war Vulture was moved up the river at a distance not to ex- 
cite suspicion. An interview was arranged for the night of September 
21, 1780. Andre was landed below the garrison under a pass for John 
Anderson. Arnold received him at the house of a Mr. Smith within 
the American lines in violation of his sacred promise not to do so to 
avoid the penalty of a spy-showing the reckless daring of the traitor. 
The sun rose upon them before their plans of operation were com- 
pleted. Andre remained with Arnold during the day. When ready 
to leave in the evening it was found the Vulture had been compelled 
to move too far down the river for him to reach her with a boat. He 
exchanged his regimentals for a plain suit-received a pass from Arnold 
and proceeded by land for New York. On the 23d he ha-d proceeded 
so far that he felt perfectly secure when one of a militia scout suddenly 
seized the reins of his bridle and brought him to a stand. Instead of 
producing his pass he asked the man where he belonged. He an- 
swered-" below." " So do I" was the response and declared himself 
an English officer on urgent business and wished not to be detained. 
At that moment two others of the scout came up when the spy dis- 
covered his true position. He offered a purse of gold and his gold 
watch to let him pass. To those patriot soldiers the offer was an 
insult. He then offered them any amount they would name in money 
or dry goods, with himself as a hostage until the amount should be 
received. Fortunately for the cause of freedom, British gold could not 
purchase these honest men in humble life. They had met the tempter 
and had moral courage to repel all his assaults. Their virtue para- 
lyzed the treason of the only traitor in the American army. Let their 
names be handed down to posterity with profound veneration. John 
Paulding, David Williams and Isaac Vauwert secured Andre and 
foiled Arnold. Williams lived respected and died regretted in my 
native neighborhood. Often have I heard him relate the minute cir- 
cumstances of that important capture. He claimed to be the one who 



36 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

first arrested the spy. These three men proceeded to examine their 
prisoner and found concealed in his boots an exact account of the gar 
rison at West Point in detail in the handwriting of Arnold. They 
took him to Lieut. Col. Jameson who commanded the scouting par- 
ties. Anxious to save the traitor, he persisted in the character assumed 
and shrewdly asked that Arnold should be informed that Anderson 
was taken, who would explain and make every thing satisfactory. 
The ruse succeeded-an express was sent to the garrison which enabled 
Arnold to escape on board the Vulture on the 25th of September, a 
few hours only before Gen. Washington reached West Point. He 
proceeded to Sir Henry Clinton at New York where he received 
j$50,000 and the commission of brigadier general in the Britisii army- 
the price of his base treachery. Although the foul transaction was 
tolerated by the Enghsh government, all honorable men in England 
detested the traitor and his treason. This was frequently manifested 
after his location in that country at the close of the Revolution. Lord 
Lauderdale expressed his disgust on seeing Arnold seated on the right 
hand of the king and exclaimed-" His majesty is supported by a trai- 
tor." Lord Surry rose to speak in the House of Commons and on 
perceiving the traitor in the gallery sat down and exclaimed-" I will 
not speak while that man is in the House." In addition to the money 
paid and the disgrace of associating with this vile man-the British 
army lost one of its brightest ornaments in the death of Maj. Andre. 
Contrary to his sacred pledge Arnold made him a spy by taking him 
within the American lines. He was tried, convicted and hung. 
Washington would gladly have warded off the dreadful sentence could 
he have found any excuse for doing so. The law demanded the sacri- 
fice-it was made from the necessity of the case. 

The news of Arnold's treason created surprise and indignation 
among the people of his native country. At Philadelphia his effigy 
was made large as life and drawn through the streets at night in a cart 
with a figure of the devil at his side holding a lighted lantern to liis 
face and the inscription in large capitals-TRAITOR ARNOLD. The 
cart was followed by a dense crowd with martial music playing the 
rogue's march. The principal being absent the representative was 
hung and then burnt. Arnold had become so hardened by a long 
indulgence in improper practices that he was apparently steeled against 
all reflection upon the past. Soon after he commenced his murderous 
career in the British service, Washington remarked of him in a pri- 
vate letter-" I am mistaken, if, at this time Arnold is undergoing a 
mental hell. He wants feeling. From spme traits of his character 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 37 

which have lately come to my knowledge, he seems to have been so 
hackneyed in crime-so lost to all sense of honor and shame, that while 
his faculties still enable him to continue his sordid pursuits there will 
be no time for remorse." An ingenious, bold but unsuccessful attempt 
was made to abduct him from New York before the execution of the 
unfortunate Andre. He made a hair-breadth escape. 

The baseness of Arnold's treason was increased in blackness by his 
subsequent conduct. He had the assurance to write to Washington 
the day he escaped on board the Vulture, stating that he was, acting 
for the good of his country and requesting the commander-in-chief to 
protect his wife and pass her and his baggage to him. Mrs. Arnold 
was immediately forwarded to New York with her effects and those 
of her husband. Arnold professed to his new companions in arms to 
be radically changed to a staunch loyalist. The Declaration of Inde- 
pendence he declared a treasonable paper-its authors a company of 
ambitious rebels seeking power to enslave the people. He wrote a 
threatening letter to Washington relative to the execution of Andre 
and assured him of a fearful retaliation unless a reprieve was granted. 
He published an address to the people of America fully justifying his 
treasonable conduct. He then issued an artful tirade of insulting 
sophistry for the purpose of inducing others to plunge into the same 
quagmire of disgrace with himself-calling it a proclamation with the 
following caption. " To the officers and soldiers of the Continental 
array who have the real interests of their country at heart and who 
are determined no longer to be the tools and dupes of Congress or of 
France." 

All his vile paper demonstrations deepened his infamy, increasing 
the boiling indignation of the American people without inducing a 
single one to desert the cause of his country. To do this was a part 
of the consideration of the Arnold purchase. Sir Henry Clinton was 
deceived by the traitor and egregiously mistaken in the stern integrity 
of the patriots. Finding his Proteus brigadier powerless over the 
minds of his former companions, Sir Henry deducted ^100,000 from 
the ^150,000 which was the stipulated price for West Point and the 
traitor and despatched him to Virginia to act upon the persons and 
property of the obstinate rebels. In January 1781 Arnold entered 
Chesapeake Bay with a protecting naval force and landed with about 
1700 men. His cruelties, ravages and plunders along the unprotected 
coast could not be surpassed by a band of practised pirates. Revenge 
seemed to be the motive power of his action. During one of his pre- 
datory excursions he captured an American captain of whom he 



38 THESAGESANUHEROES 

inquired what the Americans would do with him if he fell .into theii 
hands, to which the officer replied-" If my countrymen should catch 
you I believe they would first cut oif that lame leg '^hich was wounded 
in the cause of freedom and bury it with the honors of war and after- 
wards hang the remainder of your body in gibbets." 

After returning from Virginia he was sent on an expedition against 
New London where he first breathed the vital air. He landed his 
troops in two detachments-one on each side of the harbor. He led 
one against Fort Trumbull which could make but a feeble resistance. 
Fort Griswold made a spirited defence against the other division com- 
manded by Lieut. Col. Eyre but was compelled to yield to an over- 
whelming force. When the Americans surrendered but seven men 
had been killed within the lines-after the surrender a murderous 
slaughter was commenced by the British and about 100 killed and 
wounded. On entering the fort an English officer inquired who com- 
manded the garrison. Col. Ledyard presented his sword and an- 
swered-" /did-but you do now." His sword was taken by the officer 
and immediately plunged through his heart. In the attack the enemy 
had 48 killed and 145 wounded. Arnold commenced his favorite 
work of plunder-loaded and sent away 15 vessels mostly freighted 
with private property-fired the place and reduced 60 dwelling-houses 
and 84 stores to ashes and in his haste four of his own ships were 
burned. He completed this work of destruction and was absent from 
New York only eight days. Such expeditions afforded the richest ali- 
ment for the black heart of this traitor. He continued the scavenger 
of the British army to the close of the war and then removed to Lon- 
don where he died in 1801. To the lasting disgrace of the British 
government Arnold received a liberal pension to the time of his death 
which is continued to his descendants and is frequently complained of 
by the British press. 

With the blackness of eternal disgrace resting upon his character 
this traitor has had apologists among American writers. They attri- 
bute lite treason to a want of liberality on the part of our government. 
I have said the want of means to give full scope to his sordid passions 
was the cause. A want of liberality does not appear upon the record. 
He was allowed more than justice demanded-more than other officers 
under like circumstances. He was unsound at the core-void of moral 
rectitude-was proved dishonest before the commissioners of accounts- 
the committee of Congress and the court-martial. His name should 
then have been erased from the roll of officers regardless of conse- 
quences. That would have saved him from the treason he perpe- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 39 

trated-the accomplished Andre from the scaffold and thousands from 
the ravages subsequently committed by the reckless traitor. All apo- 
logies for Arnold are sophisms. His name is stamped with a lasting 
infamy that blots out the noble deeds that preceded his Lucifer-fall. 



JOSHUA BARNEY. 

The navy of a nation is justly termed the right arm of its strength. 
The life of a mariner is full of romance-often spiced with thrilling 
events-sometimes fraught with danger. The sons of the main are a 
hardy, noble, generous, bold class of men. None but those who have 
rode upon the green mountain waves of old ocean when lashed to a 
foaming fury by mighty wind, can fully appreciate the perilous service 
of a seaman. 

The importance of increasing our navy is felt but by a few of our 
legislators and not urged by them. Americans are the favorite sons 
of Neptune, With shamefully limited means they have fought their 
way to the temple of fame. With a maritime force far inferior to the 
resources and magnitude of our prosperous and expansive country-far 
inferior to that of the enemy whom they met and conquered-they have 
snatched the laurels of victory from the mistress of the seas and placed 
them upon their own manly brows. Had our government been as 
forward in providing ships of war as our naval officers and noble tars 
have been in courting danger, shedding their blood and sacrificing life 
in defence of the star spangled banner-the combined forces of the old 
world would dread our power more than they now respect our flag. 
By an equal force our seamen cannot be conquered. History points 
to a long list of heroes-sons of America-who have carved their names 
as high on the temple of fame as Sidney and Nelson. 

Among them is that of Joshua Barney-born in Baltimore, Maryland 
on the 6th day of July 1759. His father was a respectable farmer 
cultivating the soil now within the city limits. His son was sent to a 
common school until he was ten years of age and was then placed iu 
a retail dry goods store at Alexandria. In 1771 he revealed to his 
parents his long nursed vision of a seaman's life. Reluctantly his 
father obtained for him a place on board a pilot boat commanded by 
an intimate friend. After a few months service he was apprenticed to 
Capt. Drisdall whose brig was bound to Ireland. After a long and 
rough passage the vessel reached the cove of Cork. From (hence the 
Captain proceeded to Liverpool where he sold his cargo and brig. 



411 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Young Barney returned home by the way of Dublin. Soon after his 
arrival his father was killed by the accidental discharge of a pistol in 
the hands of a young son but seven years of age. Joshua subse- 
quently made a voyage to Cadiz and Genoa. In 1775 he sailed to 
Italy. On arriving there the mate was discharged, the captain taken 
sick which put Barney in command of the ship. He was not then six- 
teen years of age. 

In July of that year he joined an unsuccessful Spanish expedition 
against Algiers. In October 1776 he arrived in Chesapeake Bay 
where he was boarded by the officers of the British sloop of war 
King Fisher and plundered of all his letters and arms. He there first 
received intelligence of the battle of Bunker Hill. He was at length 
permitted to proceed to Baltimore where his vessel was laid up. He 
had been her captain eight months-had passed through many perils 
with courage and skill that would have done credit to a man ripe in 
years and experience. He had earned the fame of a skilful navigator 
and judicious commander.' He was not long in choosing whom he 
should serve for the future. He was born a patriot. The fire of lib- 
erty illuminated his soul. Freedom pointed him to the service of his 
beloved country. He was appointed master's mate on the sloop of 
war Hornet under Capt. Stone. Com. Hopkins presented him with a 
flag which he mounted on a staff-obtained martial music-beat up for 
volunteers and in one day raised a full complement of men for the 
sloop. He was the first one who unfurled the star spangled banner in 
Maryland. 

In November the Hornet and Wasp sailed for the Delaware to join 
Com. Hopkins. The British fleet was in Hampton Roads to intercept 
them but could' not bag the game. On their arrival the fleet of the 
Commodore consisted of two small frigates, two brigs and four sloops. 
With this infant navy just bursting into life he sailed for the Bahama 
Island New Providence-took the fort without opposition-secured the 
military stores-treated the people and private property with due re- 
spect and returned safely to the Delaware with his booty. Soon after 
his return Barney was stationed on board the Wasp under Capt. Alex- 
ander who was ordered to conduct the ship beyond the capes that 
conveyed Benjamin Franklin to France. On its return the Wasp was 
closely pursued by two British ships carrying 72 guns and escaped 
by running into Wilmington creek. The next morning Com. Hazel- 
wood went down from Philadelphia with several row galUes and 
boldly attacked the Englishmen which enabled the Wasp to come out 
aud take part in the action. This little schooner stung the British brig 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 41 

Tender so severely that she surrendered in a short time and was im- 
mediately taken to the Jersey shore. On his return to join the gai.ies 
amidst a dense fog, Capt. Alexander came in close contact withi the 
fleet of the enemy. He met with a warm reception and returned the 
salutation promptly and effectually. After an exchange of the most 
impressive compliments he returned to the gallies. A brisk fire was 
kept up during the day which convinced the creatures of the crown 
that the infant navy was not to be trifled with. During the action 
young Barney went on board another vessel that was not fully man- 
ned. His bold and noble daring on that occasion elevated him in the 
esteem of his superiors and companions in arms. Robert Morris, then 
President of the Marine Committee, presented him with a lieutenant's 
commission and put him in command of the sloop of war Sachem. 
He was then but seventeen years of age. Shortly after receiving his 
commission Lieut. Barney participated with Capt. Robinson in a severe 
action of two hours which resulted in the capture of an English brig. 
A large sea turtle, designed as a present to Lord North, was one of 
the delicacies of the prize. It was presented to Robert Morris. In a 
few days after his return Lieut. Barney spread the canvas of his little 
craft in company with the Andrew Dorin with fourteen guns and the 
Lexington-all under the command of Capt. Barry and sailed for the 
West Indies. On their return they fell in with the British sloop of war 
Race Horse-tender to Admiral Parker's fleet, which he had sent out 
from Jamaica on purpose to capture these American " small craft." 
After a sanguinary action of two hours the English nag was cut in 
pieces, distanced and surrendered at discretion. Shortly after that 
brilliant victory the British sloop of war Snow was captured and Lieut 
Barney placed on board as prize-master. He was overtaken by a gale 
that threatened to land all hands in Davy Jones' locker-was badly 
crippled and captured by the Perseus of twenty guns. During the 
passage young Barney was insulted by the purser of the Perseus and 
knocked him down the hatchway for which he was commended by 
the British captain. On their arrival at Charleston an exchange of 
prisoners took place which enabled Lieut. Barney to return to Phila- 
delphia with fresh laurels on his youthful brow. 

In the spring of 1777 he joined the squadron for the defence of the 
Delaware composed of the Delaware-32 guns-the Sachem, Andrew 
Dorin and several smaller vessels-all under the command of Com. 
Hazlewood. They were stationed near Fort Mifliin and bravely 
maintained their position until the next autumn when the little fleet 
and fort were compelled to yield to a superior force. Lieut. Barney 
6 



42 THESAGESANDHEROES 

was then ordered on board the frigate Virginia at Baltimore com- 
manded by Capt. Nicholson. In an attempt to run her to sea at night 
the pilot brought up on the opposite shore where she and her crew 
fell an easy prey to the enemy. In August the ensuing year Lieut 
Barney was exchanged-proceeded to Baltimore-took command of a 
small schooner with two guns and eight men and was again captured 
in an attempt to run out of Chesapeake Bay. He was soon exchanged 
and joined his old friend Capt. Robinson at Alexandria on board a 
vessel with 12 guns, 35 men and but a small supply of ammunition. 
On the third evening after leaving port they fell in with the British 
privateer Rosebud-fuUy manned and eager for action. A running 
fight was continued during the night. Daylight revealed a rapid open- 
ing and expansion of the Rosebud-she hauled off with 47 of her men 
killed and wounded. Capt. Robinson had none killed and but one 
man wounded. He then sailed to Bordeaux-mounted eighteen guns- 
shipped 70 men-took in a cargo of brandy and sailed for home. On 
his way he captured a valuable prize-placed it in charge of Lieut. 
Barney who arrived with it at Philadelphia in October 1779. He 
was received with great enthusiasm and applause. Lavished praises 
did not inflame his youthful mind. Vanity had no resting-place in 
his noble soul. Pomp and parade had no charms for him. He bore 
his prosperity with the calm dignity of a Socrates. He steered clear 
of the alluring quicksands of vice-the rocks of sinful pleasure on 
which many young men founder and are lost forever. His manly 
conduct gained the esteem of the great and good-his fame was based 
on substantial merit. Familiarity with scenes of blood and carnage- 
the rage of battle and the clash of arms did not enervate the exalted 
powers of his refined sympathies and softer passions. These were 
commingled with those of an accomplished daughter of Alderman 
Bedford of Philadelphia and were consolidated in one at the hymeneal 
altar before he left the city of brotherly love. After basking in the 
rays of the honey-moon for a few days he proceeded to Baltimore. 
On the way his money was stolen from the box of his carriage where 
he thought it more safe than in his pocket. He returned to Philadel- 
phia-concealed his loss- went to sea in the Saratoga of 16 guns under 
Capt. Young. 

Their first prize was a vessel carrying 12 guns. In a short time 
they came in contact with an English ship mounting 32 guns with 9C 
men accompanied by two brigs. Under the disguise of British colors 
Capt. Young ran alongside the ship. In a few brief moments the 
star spangled banner was floating in the breeze upon the three Eng- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 43 

lish vessels. Lieutenant Barney was put in charge of one of them. 
Becoming separated from the others he was captured by the seventy- 
four Intrepid commanded by Capt. Malloy and treated with great 
cruelty. On arriving at New York Lieut. Barney and 70 other priso- 
ners were placed on board the ship of war Yarmouth by Admiral 
Rodney. They were confined under five decks in a dark filthy apart- 
ment but three feet between floors-twelve feet by twenty in area and 
ordered to England. They were 53 days performing the passage. 
Eleven of the prisoners died on the way-the survivors were scarcely 
able to walk. They were covered with vermin and when landed 
could not bear the light for some time. They were sent to Mill prison 
where they found nearly three hundred of their fellow-countrymen 
sharing the same tender mercies with themselves. Soon after this 
new accession of rebels preparations for escape were discovered. 
Lieut. Barney was suspected-loaded with heavy irons and thrown 
into a dungeon for thirty days. By the assistance of a soldier he 
made his escape from prison on the 18th of May 1781-was discovered 
and remanded. In a second attempt he succeeded-visited Bristol, 
London, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague, He reached Phila- 
delphia in March 1782 amidst the heart-felt congratulations of his 
family and numerous friends. His suflerings had been aggravated 
and heart-rending. He had almost tasted death. The barbarous 
treatment of the American prisoners on board the English prison-ships 
is without a parallel. It has left a stigma on the Christian escutcheon 
of the British nation that time or angels' tears can never expunge-a 
foul blot, lasting as the pages of history. My strong language may be 
excused when I inform the reader that one out of eight of my patriot 
uncles was literally suffocated and starved to death on one of those 
ships in the port of New York. Were I to draw a full picture of the 
demoniac cruelties heaped upon the American prisoners in the loath- 
some dungeons of these floating Pandemoniums-a horror too painful 
to be borne would oppress the aching heart of the reader. 

As a manifestation of the high value placed upon the services of 
young Barney, the State of Pensylvania presented him with a cap- 
taincy and placed him in command of the Hyder Ally of 16 guns 
with 110 men. In a few days he proceeded down the Delaware as a 
convoy. On the 8th of April 1782 he was anchored in Cape May 
road waiting for a more favorable wind. At 10 A. M. he dis- 
covered four vessels making all sail towards him. On nearing they 
proved to be a British frigate, ship, brig and sloop of war. About 
noon the frigate made for Cape Henlopen channel-the other vessels 



44 T 11 ESAGES AND HEROES 

Steering for Cape May. Capt. Barney weighed anchor and sailed up 
the bay to elude pursuit. At 1 P. M. the ship and brig came into 
the bay by Cape May channel-the frigate coming round under Cape 
Henlopen. The following account of the action is from a gentleman 
who was a volunteer on board the Hyder Ally. 

" At one P. M. prepared for action-all hands to quarters. At three 
quarters past one the brig passed us after giving us two fires. We 
reserved our fire for the ship then fast coming up. We received very 
httle damage from the brig which stood after our convoy. She 
mounted 16 guns and was formerly the Fair American privateer com- 
manded by Capt. Decatur and equal to us in force. At 2 P, M. the 
ship ranged upon our starboard quarter and fired two guns at us. We 
were then at good pistol shot. We attempted to run her on board 
by laying her across the starboard bow-at the same time poured 
in our broad-side from great guns and small arms. Our fire was 
briskly kept up for twenty-six minutes when she struck her colors. 
Immediately sent our first lieutenant on board and stood up the bay- 
the frigate being in chase under all sail and the brig ahead in pursuit 
of our convoy. We again prepared for action and stood for the brig. 
On perceiving this she tacked for the frigate and got aground. We 
were obliged to pass her as the frigate was gaining upon us. At 4 
P, M, the frigate came to anchor in the bay-as we supposed for want 
of a pilot. We then spoke the prize for the first time and learned that 
she was his majesty's ship Gen, Monk-Capt. Rodgers-with 20 7iine- 
pounders-136 men of whom 30 were killed and 53 wounded, including 
15 out of 16 officers," The Hyder Ally had four killed and eleven 
wounded-mounted 12 six and 4 wme-pounders-a little more than half 
the weight of metal carried by the Gen. Monk-with a crew of 110 
men and 5 volunteers who went on board as a matter of recreation. 
Capt. Barney proceeded to Philadelphia with his prize-treating his 
conquered foe with great kindness, soaring above retaliation for the 
recent base treatment he had received when a prisoner. 

On his arrival at Philadelphia the welkin rang with plaudits of 
praise from the multitude who hailed him as one of the deliverers of 
their oppressed country. For his gallantry the legislature of Pennsyl- 
vania voted him a splendid sword which was presented to him by the 
governor with appropriate ceremonies. The General Monk was pur- 
chased by the U. S. government-fitted for a cruise and placed in com- 
mand of Capt. Barney. He sailed for Paris in November of that 
year with despatches to Benjamin Franklin. His naval fame had 
preceded him in France and prepared the way for an enthusiastic 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 45 

reception at her proud metropolis. On his return he brought the 
loan that had been obtained by Franklin for the United States. 
That voyage closed his useful, adventurous, brilliant revolutionary 
career. 

Subsequent to the revolution Capt. Barney purchased a tract of 
land in Kentucky for the purpose of a permanent residence. During 
1786-7-8 he travelled through the West, the Carolinas and Georgia. 
He was a strong advocate of the Federal Constitution and freely ex- 
pressed his views on all proper occasions. In 1789 he was in poor 
health and joined with another gentleman in the purchase of a brig. 
They sailed to Carthagena, South America and returned by the way 
of Havana. In 1792 he was at Cape Francois when the town was 
burned. Being on shore he was compelled to fight his way to his 
ship and brought off with him about sixty distressed women and 
children. On his return he was captured by an English privateer and 
all his crew taken from him except his carpenter, boatswain and cook. 
Three officers and eleven men were put in charge of the prize and 
ordered to New Providence. Capt. Barney was treated with cruelty 
because he refused to surrender the keys of his iron chest. Having 
secreted several loaded guns he and his three men retook the vessel, 
wounding two of the officers and compelling the Englishmen to work 
the ship into Baltimore. The little sleep Capt. Barney obtained up to 
the time his craft was moored at the monumental city was in his 
arm-chair on the quarter-deck. The next year he repeated his visit 
to Cape Francois and on his way home was captured by a British pri^ 
vateer-taken to Jamaica-his ship condemned and he confined in prison. 
It was acts like this that hastened the war of 1812. In 1794 Capt. 
Barney was again restored to his family. In company with James 
Monroe he visited the transient Republic of France in 1795 and was 
the bearer of the star spangled banner to the French convention. So 
delighted were the members with the veteran captain that they prof- 
fered him a command in their navy. The ensuing year he accepted 
the offer and arrived at Norfolk with two frigates where he was a 
long time blockaded by a British squadron. He offered to measure 
skill with an equal force which was prudently refused. In 1800 he 
surrendered his command without having had an action with the 
enemy. In 1805 he declined the offered command of the Navy Yard 
at Washington. In 1806-8 he was an imsuccessful candidate for 
Congress-the interests of party having become paramount to the sub- 
stantial merit and righteous claims of a candidate who was not politi- 
cally available although covered with scars and wounds received in 



46 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the purchase of our Hberty-endowed with sterHng talents matured by 
cool reflection and long experience-with a pure and honorable repu- 
tation in all respects-deficient in one thing only-a political gum- 
elastic conscience. 

In 1812 he removed to Elkridge with his family. On the declara- 
tion of war against Great Britain in June of that year he was imme- 
diately called into service. He was first commissioned to cruise in a 
privateer and succeeded in speedily capturing eighteen British vessels- 
several of a superior force to his. In 1813 he was invited to take 
command of the armed flotilla in Chesapeake Bay. On his arrival at 
Washington he was surprised to find a letter to the Secretary of the 
Navy from a merchant in Baltimore derogatory to his character. He 
at once called the writer to an account and settled the matter by the 
inverse rule oi false honor by probing his breast with a blue pill which 
did not prove mortal. With the rank of Commodore, Barney took 
command of the flotilla in the spring of 1814. It consisted of twenty- 
six barges and nine hundred men. He first intended attacking the 
enemy at Tangier Island. On his way he met the British squadron 
off" Patuxet and was compelled to run in there. During the summer 
he annoyed the enemy constantly-captured several of their smaller 
vessels and several times boldly attacked their frigates-materially 
injuring them-then retreating quickly into shoal water beyond their 
reach. On the first of July he was called to Washington to aid in 
devising the best plan of defence against the contemplated attack by 
the enemy. On the 3d he returned and moved the flotilla farther up 
the river. On the 16th of August the British fleet entered the Patuxet 
in full force. An express was despatched to the Secretary of the Navy 
apprising him of the movement. On the 21st Com. Barney landed 
most of his men-marched for Washington and joined Gen. Winder 
and Capt. Miller with his marines and five pieces of artillery. The 
marines were put under the command of the Commodore. On the 
23d the troops were reviewed by the President and looked fine. On 
the 24th the enemy halted within three miles of the American camp. 
Skirmishing occurred between small advance parties. Com. Barney 
proceeded to the city and took station at the marine barracks deter- 
mined to defend the bridge to the last extremity. Being advised of 
this the British changed their route by way of Bladensburg. The 
main body of the American troops met them there on the 25th about 
11 A. M. At a late hour Com. Barney obtained permission from the 
President to join them. Within a mile of that town he found the Ame- 
ricans formed in irregular detached parties engaged in battle. His troops 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 47 

were nearly out of breath-having ran-not marched to the scene of action 
under the burning rays of an August sun. He had scarcely formed and 
brought his guns to bear when the militia broke in confusion and ran for 
dear life. The whole British army then advanced upon the Spartan 
band of Barney. He saw no hope of rallying the mushroom troops that 
were flying but determined not to be shot on the wing himself and fill 
a coward's grave. He reserved his fire until the enemy came within 
a few yards when a discharge of round and grape shot left the front 
ranks struggling in death. A second time the English veterans ad- 
vanced-a second time their front ranks fell like grass before a scythe. 
The British then left the road and approached from another direction 
by fording the creek then very low. All the so-called American troops 
had left the Commodore and his brave phalanx. Still he stopd his 
ground against an overwhelming force of the veterans of Waterloo. 
Although simultaneously charged on the right and left, he repulsed 
them several times with great slaughter. He had received a ball in 
his thigh which was bleeding profusely. At the same time his horse 
was killed under him. To add to his chagrin the mushroom militia 
had ran ofl" with his ammunition wagon. On being nearly surrounded 
by the enemy and Capt. Miller severely wounded, he ordered those to 
retreat who were able to do so. He was carried a few yards by 
three of his officers and fell from loss of blood. Two of them he 
ordered to conduct the retreat of his gallant men. Gen. Ross and 
Admiral Cockburn were conducted to him and treated him kindly. 
They ordered him and Capt. Miller to be carried to a house in 
Bladensburg where their wounds were dressed and they made as 
comfortable as circumstances would permit. The British left 80 of 
their killed and wounded on the battle ground-who had fallen through 
the bravery of the bold sailors and marines who stood like men and 
fought like lions. The Americans had 60 killed and wounded 50 of 
whom were those who nobly defended the star spangled banner of 
the brave Barney and Miller, showing how early in the action the 
shrimp militia entered leg bail and distanced all pursuit-only ten being 
shot on the wing as they were courageously flying from the field of 
glory. Had they fought as did Barney and Miller with their ocean 
band they would have repelled the invading foe and saved the capital 
of our nation from desecration. The means for success were as for- 
midable at Bladensburg as at Baltimore and New Orleans. 

After having committed the most wanton waste at the shamefully 
deserted city of Washington Gen. Ross retreated on the 26th with a 
loss of over 1000 men. He could boast of having visited and devas- 



48 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

tated the capital of a great nation filled with defenceless females and 
children left to his mercy and generosity by most of their gallant hus- 
bands and fathers. The whole transaction as conducted by both 
armies does not reflect the highest honor on any concerned but the 
brave Commodore and his con)panions in arms. 

The day after the battle Mrs. Barney, a son and the family physi- 
cian repaired to Bladensburg to aid and comfort the Commodore. It 
was impossible to extract the ball from his thigh which remained 
through life. In a few days he was able to ride home in a carriage. 
On the 7th of October he was so far recovered as to visit the British 
fleet for the purpose of exchanging prisoners. For his gallantry on 
the battle ground of Bladensburg the state of Georgia voted him hearty 
thanks-the city of Washington presented him with a splendid sword. 
On the 15th of October he resumed the command of the flotilla-still 
suftering severely from the pressure of the ball. During the ensuing 
winter he prepared for a vigorous spring campaign. Peace put an 
end to further military operations. He sailed on a mission to Europe 
on the 25th of May 1815 and returned on the 19th of the ensuing Oc- 
tober. So much did his wound disable him that he was compelled to 
send his despatches from Baltimore to Washington. He was conveyed 
to his family at Elkridge and subsequently removed to Baltimore. 

In 1816 he visited his lands in Kentucky in company with his lady. 
They were received with marked attention on their whole route. So 
highly pleased were they with the noble bearing, open frankness and 
proverbial hospitality of the Kentuckians, that they resolved on re- 
moving there at the earliest time possible. In 1818 the arrangements 
were completed and the journey commenced. He started his men and 
effects in advance and met them at Brownsville on the Monongahela. 
Owing to low water he was detained for some time before reaching 
Pittsburgh. At that place he was detained from the same cause. 
When the water rose he went on board with his family in the evening 
for the purpose of an early start the next morning. During the night 
he was taken ill and was removed on shore. His disease increased- 
his wounded thigh became highly hiflamed-death did its work. On 
the 1st day of December 1818 Com. Joshua Barney was numbered 
with the silent dead. He breathed his life calmly away and de- 
scended to the tomb in peace. He was buried by the sympathizing 
citizens of Pittsburgh with all the honors of sepulture in the grave- 
yard of the first Presbyterian church where his remains reposed until 
1849 when they were removed to the splendid Alleghany Cemetery 
three miles from Pittsburgh. After the funeral obsequies were ovei 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 49 

and the widow and her family had partially recovered from the shock 
of their sudden bereavement they proceeded to their place of destina- 
tion and located upon their land in Kentucky. As a small compensa- 
tion for the valuable services of her husband, Congress granted Mrs. 
Barney a pension for life. 

But few men have lived whose web of life has been filled with as 
many exciting events and sudden changes as was that of Com. Bar- 
ney. His was a life of industry and usefulness without reaching the 
lofty summit of fame on which many have perched whose substantial 
worth was inferior to his. He discharged every duty that devolved 
upon him with the strictest fidelity-with an eye single to the good and 
glory of his country-without parade, pomp or vain show. Such men 
should elicit the gratitude of our nation as much as those who have 
filled a higher rank but have not been more useful. 

In all the relations of public and private life Com. Barney stood ap- 
proved, admired and beloved. He lived respected and died regretted. 



JOSIAH BARTLETT. 

UNION-enchanting word-a harmonious euphony vibrates from its 
sound. It is the most mellow word in our language. It was the 
watchword in Heaven before this mighty globe was spoke into exis- 
tence-its melody will be chanted there through the rolling ages of eter- 
nity. This magic word has rallied millions to deeds of noble daring 
both for good and evil. No language thrills through the soul of a 
patriot Hke the watchword of '76-" OUR UNION." Is this still the 
watchword of the great mass of the American people ?-or is the un- 
holy leaven of Dissolution working its fearful progress from demagogues 
and factionists ? Shall our UNION be preserved to millions yet un- 
born .'' or will we follow in the awful wake of nations who once were 
but now are not ? Will the bone and sinew of our dear America suf- 
fer patriotism to be basely strangled by party spirit and internal dis- 
sensions } These are questions big with importance and should be 
promptly answered by every friend of the UNION in a voice of patri- 
otic thunder that shall carry terror into the heart of every fanatic and 
disorganizer in our land 

For years too little attention has been given to the mental and moral 
qualifications of our legislators. Available to the party has been the 
watchword in most cases. Cliques nominate-electioneer and hood- 
wink the dear people so that the destinies of our nation are emphati- 
7 



50 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

cally placed in the hands of a meagre minority and many of this mi- 
nority men of just seven principles-two loaves and five fishes. People 
of the United States ! awake to a sense of impending danger ! Return 
no man to a legislative hall whose uniform conduct has not proved 
him to be a pure patriot and no one a second time who deals in bil- 
lingsgate, legislates by force of arms or favors dissolution. Unless 
Union is his watchword he cannot be trusted. 

UNION was the glorious rallying v/ord of the Sages and Heroes of 
the American Revolution among whom was Josiah Bartlett born at 
Amesbury, Mass. in November 1729. He was the son of Stephen 
Bartlett a man of sterling merit and liberal principles. Josiah received 
a good academic education which he completed at the early age of 
sixteen. He then commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Ordway 
and pursued it with great industry for five years. He then entered 
upon a successful practice at Kingston, New Hampshire, where he 
gained the confidence and esteem of the community. Two years after 
he commenced practice he was reduced very low by a fever and given 
up by his attending physicians. More consistent than some physicians 
he experimented upon himself and saved his life. He commenced 
taking small and frequent doses of cider-a free perspiration ensued- 
the fever left and he soon recovered. From that time he watched the 
mdications and wants of nature more closely in his patients and often 
made judicious and successful deviations from the old beaten path of 
practice. 

Dr. Bartlett was the first physician who boldly assumed the position 
that the angina maligna tonsillaris [canker] was putrid and not itiflam- 
matory and first gave Peruvian bark for this distressing disease. He 
also introduced the successful practice of using antiphlogistic remedies 
for cynanche maligna [sore throat] at that time terrific among children- 
four being sometimes buried in one grave from the same family. By 
the skill of this able physician this awful scourge was checked and 
stripped of its terrors. These improvements in his practice resulted 
from a close study and investigation of the laws of nature, ever in 
operation, which may be aided but never controlled by artificial means. 
Let doctors remember this fact and govern themselves accordingly. 

Dr. Bartlett held several important offices under Gov. Wentworth 
both civil and military. Enjoying the confidence of the people he was 
elected to the New Hampshire Assembly where he became a promi- 
nent opposer of the infringements of the crown upon chartered rights 
Republican blood only flowed in his veins. With an Argus eye he 
watched the movements of the British ministry and the royalists 



J 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 51 

around him. In granting charters for towns the royal governors had 
uniformly reserved for the ostensible use of the Episcopal Church the 
cream of the location. This was one of the bones of contention be- 
tween the people and the governors. Taxation for illegitimate pur- 
poses was the vertebra of the hated animal. In effecting their settle- 
ments the colonists had conquered the wilderness and the savage 
unaided by the mother country. They were unwilling to be robbed 
of their hard earnings by those who desired to roll in luxury at their 
expense. Resistance was natural-was right. Taxation and repre- 
sentation are inseparable principles that cannot be divorced. They 
were incorporated in the eternal code of Nature and like the Siamese 
twins must journey together where intelligence and social order pre- 
dominate. Kingly power adopts the unholy aphorism that might 
makes right. Upon this sandy foundation the British ministers based 
their policy towards the American Colonies. They put the Revolu- 
tionary ball in motion-its rebounding force demolished the superstruc- 
ture of their power over our hardy ancestors. At the commencement 
of their oppressions, so prompt was resistance that the king loosened 
the screws for a time. But under his old preceptor, Lord Bute, backed 
by Lord North, he was bound to court ruin and affiance it. Most 
effectually did he perform his plighted vows which were freely sanc- 
tioned by the patriots of America. 

Gov. Wentworth thought to secure Dr. Bartlett by making him a 
member of the judiciary. But there was no gift within the power of 
monarchy that could seduce him from the path of liberty. As the crisis 
was urged on by the hirelings of the crown his opposition increased in 
an equal ratio. A circumstance occurred that made him at once con- 
spicuous. The favorite measure of securing a majority in the Assembly 
at all hazards was resorted to by the Governor. He obtained the king's 
writ for three new members from towns that were then fully represented. 
This open violation of the known law of the land roused the indignation 
of the Doctor who carried with him others who had not before come 
out in favor of freedom. The three new members were expelled-opposi- 
tion to the governor rose like a July thunder gust. He was obliged to 
take refuge from the popular fury on board the man-of-war Fowey. 
His Excellency proceeded to annul the power of all liberals under com- 
mission from him. By using this air-pump too freely he produced a 
vacuum that caused an irreparable collapse of his own power. The line 
of demarcation was drawn-the war cry was raised. 

Dr. Bartlett was elected to the Congress of 1774 but on account of the 
recent destruction of his house by fire was unable to attend. In Septem- 



52 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

ber 1775, he took his seat and was at once placed upon several important 
committees. About the same time he was made colonel of a regiment 
of provincial troops. In Congress his duties were arduous. That body 
met at nine in the morning and continued in session until four in the 
afternoon. After tliat hour most of the business of the committees was 
faithfully attended to. At this day of inglorious ease no one can fully 
appreciate and but few bestow a thought upon the immense labor, trea- 
sure and blood that our UNION cost. When we learn from the historic 
page the difficulties that surrounded the Continental Congress-a tremen- 
dous storm bursting over their heads-retreating before a relentless foe from 
place to place-their country bleeding at every pore-without resources- 
their army nearly annihilated-we are led to wonder and admire and ask 
why their well formed resolutions were not shaken when the yawning 
gulf of destruction seemed open to devour them. To my mind the solu- 
tion is plain. A majority of the Sages and Heroes of that eventful 
period were truly pious and put their trust in Him who directs the desti- 
nies of nations. Their trust was well founded. 

In 1776 Dr. Bartlett was again a member of Congress and took a 
decided stand in favor of severing the maternal cords of allegiance to 
the mother country and declare the child capable of self government. 
Many zealous patriots feared it was yet too weak. Much discussion 
occurred and a majority pledged themselves to take the nursling in 
charge. On the 4th of July 1776 the contract was signed which relieved 
mother Britain from further responsibility. 

When the final question was taken the name of Josiah Bartlett was 
first called. W^ith his eyes raised to Heaven he responded in a loud 
voice- Fea and Amen! Echo caught the words from his lips and carried 
them on wings of wind to the remotest bounds of a nation of freemen. 
They ran through the dense crowd of spectators hovering around the 
Hall of Independence who made the welkin ring with long and repeated 
responses- Fca and Amen ! ! ! 

Worn down by fatigue the health of the Doctor became impaired and 
prevented his further attendance in Congress for two years. During 
that time he was able to aid his state in organizing her new government 
and in raising troops for the northern army. He served in 1778 and 
took a final leave of the National Legislature that he might gather up the 
scattered fragments of his ruined fortune and aid his own state in her 
effort to advance the glorious cause of national freedom. He was 
appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas and muster master of the 
troops then enlisting. In 1782 he was made a justice of the Superior 
Couil and in 1788 was appointed Chief Justice. His marked usefulness 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 53 

did not close with the war. The ushering in of peace made a false 
impression upon the great mass. Few understood the herculean task of 
rising from the paralysis of a seven years contest with a powerful foe- 
the formation of a government entirely different from the one which had 
stamped its customs upon the people. In my view the wisdom of the 
sages of the revolution was more severely taxed in perfecting our system 
of government than in driving the Britons from our shores. It often 
requires more wisdom to retain and enjoy, than to obtain an object. 

In the new work of preparing the people for the rational enjoyment of 
the Independence they had achieved Dr. Bartlett took an active part. 
Numerous conflicting interests were to be reconciled-an enormous debt 
was to be paid-many abuses and corruptions were to be corrected-a con- 
cert of feeling and action to be produced — the art of self government to be 
acquired. Storm after storm arose that threatened to throw our nation 
back into primeval darkness. It required the combined sagacity and 
wisdom of the boldest sages to preserve the laurels of victory, the trophies 
of freedom and the chart of our liberty. Long and arduous were the 
labors that effected a confederated consolidation. During the time 
this subject was under consideration several of the states were shook to 
the very centre by internal commotion. That concert of feeling and 
action which had carried the people through the perils of the war was 
now lost in the whirlpool of self. UNION was no longer the rallying 
word with the mass. Fortunately for our country those who stood at 
the helm during the revolutionary storm were still at the post of duty. 
Reason slowly resumed her sway-wise counsels prevailed-order was 
restored- liberty was saved. 

Dr. Bartlett was a member of the Convention of N. H. that adopted 
the Federal Constitution and gave it his zealous support. In 1789 he 
was elected to the U. S. Senate-the next year President of N. H. and in 
1793 was elected the first governor of the state under the new order of 
things. He enjoyed the universal esteem of his constituents and dis- 
charged the duties of the numerous offices he filled with so much dignity, 
wisdom and prudence that envy and slander could find no crevice for an 
entering wedge. 

Worn down with toil-old age ploughing deep furrows in his face for 
the last seed time-the confines of a brighter world just before him, he 
resigned his authority and closed his public career on the 29th of 
January 1794, covered with living honors and not a spot to tarnish tlie 
glory of his fair escutcheon. He then retired to private life full of hope- 
anticipating the domestic enjoyments always desirable to those who 
accept of public office for the sake of their country-not for the sake of 



64 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the loaves and fishes. But these long desired enjoyments were of short 
duration. Disease fastened its relentless grasp upon him. On the 19th 
of May 1795, his happy spirit left its tenement of clay-ascended to Him 
who gave it-leaving a nation to mourn the loss of one of its brightest 
ornaments-one of its noblest patriots. 

In his private character he fulfilled the duties of citizen, friend, husband, 
father and Christian. No man was more generally esteemed-no man 
more richly deserved it. In his whole life we have one of the fairest 
pictures drawn upon the easel of history. His public career was of 
that solid character that imparts substantial usefulness. Without dazzhng, 
his course was right onward in the cause of universal philanthropy. He 
could look back upon a life well spent-he stood approved at the stern 
tribunal of conscience. He nobly fulfilled the design of His creation- 
discharged his duty to his country, his fellow men and his God. He left 
examples that stand as beacon lights to erring man to guide him safely 
through this vale of tears-to statesmen and patriots to induce them to 
put forth their noblest powers to preserve our UNION. 



CARTER BRAXTON. 

Men who forget right and abuse power often undermine the founda- 
tion of their own citadel. In reaching after more authority and larger 
enjoyments improperly, they are often shorn of what they have. Thus 
it was with England when she imposed unwarranted taxes and restric- 
tions upon the American Colonies. Previous to the causes that produced 
the Revolution the plan of an independent government was ideal and had 
entered the minds of but few. With these it was only a nursling in 
theory not practically anticipated. When the impolitic measures of the 
British ministry were first reduced to practice the Colonists stood upon 
the firm basis, the broad platform of their chartered rights clearly defined 
and well understood and believed their grievances must and would be 
redressed when respectful petitions should be laid before the king. These 
were repeatedly forwarded to him couched in allegiate and eloquent 
language to which he turned a deaf ear, thus forging the first link in the 
revolutionary chain. Parliament wa? vainly appealed to. Remonstrances 
formed the next Hnk in this chain. These were treated with contumely. 
A formal demand to desist from oppression in bold but still respectful 
language-every word breathing allegiance to the king was the third link 
in this chain but all to no purpose. The ministerial horse leech cry- 
^ive-GivE-GIVE-came rushing across the broad Atlantic from Albion's 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 65 

shore and pierced more deeply the wounded hearts of the imploring sup- 
pliants. Resolutions of non-importation formed the fourth link. These 
were answered by threats and menaces. Preparations to resist formed 
the fifth link. These resulted in an open and wanton attack upon 
American citizens on the heights of Lexington when the great seal of 
allegiance was dissolved in blood. The sixth link was the war cry which 
roused millions to resolve on liberty or death. The Declaration of 
Rights was the seventh and swivel link to the golden chain of Liberty 
forged by the patriots of '76 which formed an impassable barrier to the 
power of Great Britain over the colonies. The broad ring of the Federal 
Constitution perfected this mighty chain which has thus far held the ship 
of state safely to her moorings amidst the storms that have been raised 
by foreign foes and internal traitors. 

Among those who aided in forging this golden chain of Liberty was 
Carter Braxton son of George Braxton a wealthy planter who resided on 
the north bank of the Mattapony river, where he owned a large tract of 
valuable land situated in the county of King and Queen in Virginia, 
At this delightful place Carter was born on the 10th of September 1736. 
His connections were numerous, wealthy and of the first respectability. 
"Several of them were crown officers at various periods. Carter was 
raised amidst the splendor of opulence without the tender care of a 
mother to correct his childish foibles or the wise counsels of a father to 
guard him against the errors of youth. The former died when he was 
but seven days old-the latter when he was a small boy. He was liberally 
educated at the college of William and Mary. At the age of nineteen 
he married the beautiful and amiable Judith Robinson who was very 
wealthy. He entered into full possession of his large estate, which, united 
with that of his wife, constituted a princely fortune. She survived but a 
brief period leaving two daughters, the youngest but a few hours old. 

Borne down by grief Mr. Braxton visited England where he remained 
nearly three years and added greatly to his previous stock of know- 
ledge. He became familiar with the feelings and designs of that king- 
dom towards his native country. His rank and fortune gave him access 
to the nobility from whom he obtained much valuable information rela- 
tive to the ministerial conclave then concocting plans to support royalty 
in Great Britain by forcing money from the hardy pioneers of America. 
Although his relatives and friends were many of them favorites of the 
King and everything around him was calculated to foster aristocracy 
and bind him to those in power, he became a bold opposer of British 
usurpations and a warm advocate of liberal principles and equal rights. 

In 1760 he returned from Europe and was elected to tlie House of 



56 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Burgesses and became an active and proniinent member. His know- 
ledge of the intentions of tiie mother country to impose increasing 
burdens upon the Americans enabled him to fully understand every 
movement Of the monarchical hirelings around him. In 1765 he was in 
the House of Burgesses and was a warm supporter of the bold resolu- 
tions offered by Patrick Henry relative to the Stamp Act. He was in 
the House in 1769 when the proceedings of the members excited the 
ire of Gov. Bottetourt so highly that he dissolved them without cere- 
mony. They immediately repaired to a private room in Williamsburg 
and entered into a solemn agreement not to import any articles from 
the mother country until their chartered rights were restored. The 
same members were elected to the next session. Being aware of the 
kind of material he had to manage the shrewd Governor lulled them 
into a more quiet mood by the siren song of promises of redress. They 
had yet to learn that deceit is an important part of political machinery. 
Still cherishing hopes that their rights would be restored they waited 
in respectful but watchful silence. In the House there were seven 
standing committees-on courts of justice, public claims, elections, 
privileges, trade, grievances, proposition and on religion. Of the three 
last Mr. Braxton was uniformly a member. 

In 1771 Governor Bottetourt died and was succeeded by Lord Dun- 
more. Being fresh from the fountain of high notions and ministerial 
corruption he dissolved the turbulent Assembly then in commission and 
issued his king's writ for a new election. Mr. Braxton was then sheriff" 
of the county and could not serve in the House. Promises of redress 
were renewed with apparent sincerity. The people lived on hope until 
the 27th of May 1774, when the House of Burgesses again took a bold 
stand against oppression and were unceremoniously dissolved by the 
Governor. By this act he dissolved the original contract in view of the 
people-they became enraged and doffed their allegiance instanter. Im- 
mediately after the dissolution, eighty-nine of the members and many 
other bold patriots formed themselves into an association of resistance. 
From these live sparks the fire of freedom rose in curling flames. 

In August of that year a convention met at Williamsburg to devise 
plans for future action of which Mr. Braxton was an efficient member- 
Seven delegates were elected to meet the Congress at Philadelphia and 
an agreement made to act in concert with the people of Boston in the 
common cause against the common enemy. Lord Dunmore had a new 
set of members elected to the House but being displeased with their 
proceedings prorogued them several times. On the night of the 7th 
of June ^.775 the people in turn prorogued his lordship who took his 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 57 

final exit on board the arnned ship Fowey never again to wield his iron 
rod of despotism over the freennen of America. He took up quarters 
on board this ship and occasionally issued his mandates which came to 
the people as talismanic messengers to invigorate their patriotism. In 
April following he caused the powder to be removed from the magazine 
under a pretence that it would be needed in another part of the pro- 
vmce to repel an expected insurrection of the blacks. The enraged 
people assembled in large numbers with a determination to take this 
important item into their own keeping. Through the persuasion of 
Peyton Randolph they dispersed. Some being still discontented a 
Spartan band assembled headed by Patrick Henry and proceeded to 
Williamsburg determined to have the powder or its equivalent. An 
armed force was sent from the Fowey to sustain the governor's orders. 
This was like adding bitumen to a blazing fire. The fury of the patriots 
was about to be poured out upon the minions of the crown— blood was 
about to flow when Mr. Braxton and others interfered-the powder was 
paid for by a crown officer-Mr. Henry gave his receipt for the money 
and his young Spartans returned home. 

For a time the government of Virginia was managed entirely by the 
Committee of Safety of which Mr. Braxton was an active member. 
On the 15th of December 1775, he was elected to the Continental Con- 
gress and entered upon his duties with great zeal. He advocated, 
voted for and signed the Declaration of Rights that formally dissolved 
the maternal ties that bound the pilgrim fathers in slavery. On his 
return from Congress the next year Mr. Braxton took his seat in the 
first legislature of his state convened under the new form of govern- 
ment. A formal vote of thanks to him and Thomas Jefferson for their 
faithful services in Congress was entered upon the records of that body 
on the 12th of October 1776. From that time to his death he was 
almost constantly a member of one or the other branch of the legisla- 
ture and but four days previous to his decease had taken his seat in 
the Council. 

He had lost a large portion of his princely fortune by the British 
and after the war closed was the child of adversity. For a time his 
friends assisted him in the prosecution of several speculative projects, 
all of which proved abortive, injuring them without benefiting him. 
He finally sunk under a ponderous weight of affliction which produced 
paralysis, a second attack of which closed his useful and eventful career 
at Richmond, Virginia, on the 10th of October 1797. 

Under all these adverse and trying circumstances his reputation did 
not suffer. He was known to be an honest man and poverty then was 
8 



58 THESAGESANDHEROES 

not an unpardonable sin or even prima facie evidence of dishonesty. 
He lost none of his well-earned fame as an able and faithful public 
servant and worthy upright man. His private character was pure. 
He fulfilled all the relations of life with fidelity. He was one of tht; 
most polished gentlemen of the old school. His name is justly placed 
high upon the list of enduring fame. He was a faithful sentinel in the 
cause of freedom and contributed largely in consummating the Inde- 
pendence we now enjoy, the Freedom we inherit, the Liberty we are 
bound to cherish, protect, preserve and perpetuate with our lives, for- 
tunes and sacred honors and transmit it to our children in all the 
beauty of pristine purity. 



ZEBULON BUTLER. 

Wyoming Valley is the Paradise of Pennsylvania. Captivating 
in its location-rich in its soil-irrigated by the crystal Susquehanna- 
bordered with magnificent scenery of romantic grandeur-enlivened by 
beautiful farm-houses and productive fields-crowned with the dour- 
ishing town of Wilkesbarre-ornamented by several small villages of 
tasteful neatness-refreshed by cooling springs and mountain streams 
filled with sportive trout-evergreen forests adjacent towering to the 
clouds and full of game-graduated hills on every side rich with mine- 
rals and reaching to the mountains-a healthful atmosphere rendered 
pure by the untiring operations of nature's laboratory-inhabited by 
intelligent, enterprising, hospitable people-it is one of the most beau- 
tiful and delightful valleys in our expansive country. Its early history 
renders it sacred to the philanthropist and is read with thrilling sensa- 
tions of painful sympathy. It has engaged the pens of our best histo- 
rian s-our ablest poets. It has been painted with the finest touches of 
our boldest artists. When strangers pass the narrow confines of the 
majestic mountains on the south and are ushered into this grand am- 
phitheatre of creative wisdom-they gaze with pleasing surprise and 
wonder at the weakness of the most vivid descriptions they have read, 
compared with the sublime reality of the enrapturing view before 
them. 

In this far-famed valley Zebulon Butler acted a conspicuous, brave 
and noble part. He was born at Lyme, Conn, in 1731. He received 
a good common school and religious education. The New Testament 
was then an approved school-book. He early planted himself on the 
firm basis of moral rectitude and primitive religious truth. Without 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 59 

these the laurels of the liero are less fragrant-the talents of the legisla- 
tor less brilliant-the noblest attributes of man less perfect. By these 
remarks I do not mean Pharisaical religion, poisonous fanaticism noi 
blighting sectarianism. It is the honest, consistent, Golden Rule man 
I admire. Such a man was Zebulon Butler, He was one of the first 
patriots who opposed British tyranny and dared to be free. He en- 
tered early into the Provincial service and served the mother country 
through the French war. He commenced his military career an En 
sign and soon rose to the rank of Captain. He participated in the 
memorable hardships of the campaign of 1758 on the frontiers of Ca- 
iiada-at Fort Edward, Lake George, Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 
In 1762 he was at the protracted siege of Havana. On his way he 
was on board one of the six vessels that were shipwrecked. All on 
board narrowly escaped a watery grave. They were on the beach 
nine days before they were relieved. On the 9th day of August the 
last of the fleet arrived before Havana. The defence was obstinate- 
the sufferings of the besiegers great. 

Capt. Butler shared largely in the dangers of the attack-the glories 
of the victory. He sailed for his long absent home on the 21st of the 
ensuing October in the Royal Duke. He encountered many perils 
during the voyage. On the 7th of November the ship began to leak 
so rapidly that it was with difficulty that her crew were transferred to 
another vessel near by before she went to the bottom. He arrived at 
New York on the 21st of December and once more met the warm 
embrace of anxious relatives and friends. He had won enduring lau- 
rels-he stood high as a brave and skilful officer-an esteemed and 
valued citizen. He then left the army and enjoyed the peaceful plea- 
sures of private life until the revolutionary storm began to concentrate 
'ts fearful elements. He was ready to brave its pitiless peltings. He 
had rendered arduous and valuable service to the mother country-he 
was well qualified to repel her ungrateful conduct and render efficient 
aid in the defence of his native soil. The goadings and insolence of 
British hirelings had deeply penetrated his patriotic soul and prepared 
him for bold and noble action. When the tocsin of war was sounded 
from the heights of Lexington he promptly tendered his services-was 
appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Connecticut line and repaired to 
the post of honor and danger. He was actively engaged in the cam- 
paigns of 1777-S-9. During the last year he was commissioned colo- 
nel of the 2d Connecticut regiment. He was with Washington in 
New Jersey and greatly esteemed by him. 

A short time previous to the revolution he was one of a company 



60 THE SAGESAND HEROES 

from his native place that had purchased Wyoming Valley from the 
Indians for a fair consideration. Many settlers had located there and 
cleared up much of the forest. Although fully remunerated for theii 
lands pursuant to contract made with the Chiefs in grand council 
assembled-the red men were unwilling to leave a place so enchanting 
and congenial with their views of happiness. In that salubrious vale, 
fringed with hills and mountains on all sides, they fancied the Great 
Spirit had his dwelling-place and gave them audible audience as echo 
reverberated their stentorian yells from hill to mountain and back tc 
the shores of the majestic Susquehanna. As the towering forest fell 
before the axe of the white man the Indians murmured and designed 
the extermination of the pale faces. In this they were encouraged by 
the British and black-hearted tories-most of the inhabitants having 
declared for liberty. Most of their effective force of near 200 men 
was in the American army. Soon after the departure of these troops 
the savages assumed a menacing attitude-manifesting a disposition to 
violate the terms of peace they had solemnly sanctioned when paid 
for their lands. Several stockade forts were erected-a company of 
rangers organized and placed under the command of Captain Hewitt. 
Every precaution was taken to guard against surprise-the movements 
of the red men were narrowly watched, their apparent designs closely 
observed. It soon became evident that they were preparing for a 
bloody sacrifice. An express was despatched to the board of war 
representing the approaching danger requesting the return of the 
troops who had recently joined the army-leaving their homes exposed 
to all the horrors of savage cruelty rendered more awful by the more 
blood-thirsty tories. The request was promptly granted but too late 
to ward off the fatal slaughter and carnage that took place when 
these brave men were within two days' march of their murdered 
wives, children and friends who slumbered in death deeply gashed 
with the tomahawk. 

About the 1st of June 1778, a number of canoes were discovered 
descending the river just above the valley filled with Indian warriors. 
They attacked a party of the inhabitants who were at work on the bank 
of the Susquehanna-killing and making prisoners of ten. They were 
evidently concentrating their forces for the purpose of an attack upon 
the settlement. At that critical juncture Col. Butler arrived. A large 
body of the savages had assembled at the mouth of the Lackawanna 
at the head of the valley. The militia under the command of Col. 
Dennison assembled in the fort at Wilkesbarre on the 1st of July. 
They scoured the borders of the valley-discovered the bodies of those 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 61 

who had been massacred a few days before-killed two Indians and 
returned. Not supposing danger so near each man repaired to his 
own house for provisions. On the 3d most of the men able to bear 
arms assembled at the fort amounting to about 350. Some remained 
ill the smaller forts with their families presuming on the delay of an 
attack. The command of the troops was given to Col. Butler. They 
were poorly armed and had but a small supply of ammunition. But 
few of them had ever been engaged in battle and were not familiar 
with military tactics. In a few moments after Col. Butler had assumed 
the command news was brought that the enemy had entered the upper 
end of the valley and were advancing rapidly. Fort Wintermote and 
another stockade fort was then in flames and their inmates weltering 
in blood and struggling in death. A council of war was held and an 
unfortunate resolve made to march out and attempt to arrest the 
savages in their career of desolation and carnage. The troops pro- 
ceeded some distance from the fort and took an advantageous position 
on the bank of a creek where they supposed the enemy would pass 
on their way to the principal fort. There they remained for half a 
day without seeing the foe. Another council of war was held which 
resulted in adding to the error of leaving the fort that of attacking 
the enemy in their position contrary to the opinion of several officers 
who were as brave but more judicious than those who urged the fatal 
movement. The order to advance was given. They had not pro- 
ceeded more than a mile when the advanced guard fired upon several 
Indians who were firing a house. The force of the enemy was con- 
centrated at fort Wintermote amounting to near 1000 eiTective men 
commanded by Brandt, an Indian half-blood and Col. John Butler-not 
a relative of Col. Zebulon Butler as some writers have erroneously 
stated. Echo returned the demoniac yells of the savages from the 
surrounding hills-the forest resounded with the appalling war whoop. 
Another serious error was committed by the ill-fated Americans. Not 
until they were upon the battle-ground did they learn the superior 
force of the revengeful foe. As the little band approached they found 
the Indians and tories formed in a line-the right resting on a swamp 
commanded by Brandt-the left reaching to fort Wintermote headed by 
Col. John Butler. Col. Z. Butler led the right and Col. Dennison the 
left of the Americans to the attack. So determined was this Spartan 
band on victory that the left of the enemy gave way in a few minutes 
closely pursued by Col. Butler. In consequence of part of the Indians 
passing the swamp to gain his rear Col. Dennison ordered his men to 
fall back. Many supposing he had ordered a retreat the line became 



C2 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

confused and broken. At that unfortunate juncture Brandt rushed 
upon it with such fury that it could not be ralhed. At that critical 
moment Col. Butler rode towards the left and first learned the mis- 
fortune of Col. Dennison and saw his men retreating in disorder. He 
was then between two fires and near the advancing enemy. Before 
the troops on the right were apprised of the fate of the left they were 
nearly surrounded by the savages and compelled to retreat precipi- 
tately. The route was general-the slaughter horrible-the scene terrific. 
But about 50 survived among whom were Colonels Butler and Den- 
nison who were more exposed than most of the others. The few who 
escaped from the dreadful carnage of that fatal day assembled at Forty 
Fort. So heart-rending was this defeat that the surviving inhabitants 
were willing to submit to any terms to save their lives. The enemy 
refused to treat with any officer of the continental army as unques- 
tionably advised by the hyena tories. Nor would they give them or 
regular soldiers any quarter but insisted on their being delivered up 
10 the Indians at discretion. Col. Butler at once left and proceeded to 
Gradenhutten on the Lehigh. On the 4tli of July Col. Dennison en- 
tered into a capitulation with Col. John Butler and Brandt to surrender 
the Fort on condition the lives of the survivors should be preserved 
and not further molested in person or property. These conditions 
were solemnly agreed to by tory Butler and Brandt but most disgrace- 
fully violated. As the Indians marched in they commenced an indis- 
criminate plunder. Butler was appealed to and replied he could not 
control them-walked out and left them to finish their work in their own 
way. The man who could urge the savages on to murder could leave 
them to rob the helpless, regardless of his sacred pledge of honor. 

Finding themselves still at the mercy of the Indians the inhabitants 
fled to the nearest settlement towards the Delaware about 50 miles 
distant through a dense wilderness and over rugged mountains. So 
rapidly did they fly on the wings of terror that numbers became ex- 
hausted from over fatigue and hunger and were carried on the last 
day by the stronger ones. After their departure the savage tories and 
red men laid waste the town of Wilkesbarre and most of the houses 
in the valley-plundering or destroying all the property they could find. 
They then drove the cattle and horses to Niagara. They had fully 
satiated their thirst for blood-desolation was completed-vengeance was 
gorged-nature mourned over the dismal scene. 

From Gradenhutten Col. Butler communicated the sad intelligence 
of the bloody massacre to the Board of War and then proceeded to 
Stroudsburg then in Northampton county, where he met the returning 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 63 

Wyoming troops and a few of those who had escaped on the day of the 
unfortunate battle. In August he was ordered to return with such force 
as he could collect and take possession of Wyoming valley. On his 
arrival he found a few Indians who were collecting the cattle that the 
main body had left. They fled precipitately without their plunder. 
Col. Butler erected a new fort at Wilkesbarre and established a well 
regulated garrison which he commanded until the winter of 1780- 
keeping the tories and savages at bay-not risking a general action but 
killing them off in detail by scouting parties of sharp-shooters whenever 
they approached the settlement. The expedition of Gen. Sullivan in 
1779 paralyzed the Indian power upon the Susquehanna and restored a 
good degree of confidence in the inhabitants. 

In December 1780 Col. Butler was ordered to join the continental 
army and left Capt. Alexander Mitchell in command of the fort. After 
serving his country faithfully to the close of the war of Independence 
the Colonel returned to the vale of Wyoming to enjoy the fruits of his 
perilous toils and the gratitude of the inhabitants whom he had nobly 
aided and protected. He subsequently filled sundry civil offices with 
credit and fidelity. He lived to see his loved Wyoming bloom with 
the fruits of industry-its inhabitants peaceful, prosperous, happy. He 
was amply rewarded for the perils and hardships of the past by the full 
fruition of the enjoyments of the present. His happiness was as com- 
plete as it could be made this side of heaven. Dearly beloved by his 
immediate friends, esteemed by all who knew him-the waning years 
of Col. Butler were crowned with the most refined comforts of social 
and domestic life. He glided down the stream of time smoothly and 
calmly to the 28th of July 1795, when he threw off his mortal coil- 
resigned his quiescent spirit into the hands of its Creator-fell asleep in 
the arms of his Lord and Master deeply mourned and sincerely 
lamented. His career closed as brightly as it had been glorious and 
useful. He was an amiable companion, a virtuous citizen, a consistent 
Christian-a brave, noble, worthy, honest man. 

A creditable monument has been erected on the battle ground in 
memory of those who fell on the memorable 3d of Julv 1778 in the far 
famed valley of Wyoming. 



CHARLES CAUROLL OF CARROLLTON. 

The fond and faithful parents who have guided to manhood a family 
of sons whose every action is a source of pleasure and delight-who 



64 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

walk in wisdom's ways-who prove virtuous, generous, bold, brave and 
patriotic-whose lives shed new lustre on the worid-whose achievements 
on the battle field or in the senate chamber stamp their names with 
enduring fame-enjoy a rich consolation, pure as the etherial sky- 
refreshing as evening zephyrs. More especially do their souls become 
enraptured with love if these sons deliver them from the iron grasp of 
a merciless tyrant-disenthrall them from the chains of slavery and 
make them free and independent. 

All this was done for our country by her valiant sons who graced 
the memorable era of '76. Like a blazing meteor bursting from the 
clouds amidst the gloom of midnight darkness, they illuminated our 
nation with light-the world with glory-raised the star spangled banner 
and planted the tree of Liberty deep in the soil of Freedom. Noble 
sons of Columbia! Sages and heroes of the American Revolution! 
Your names will be held in grateful remembrance through the rolling 
ages of time. Millions yet unborn will chant your brilliant achieve- 
ments, your triumphant victories, your unsurpassed wisdom, your god- 
like actions. 

Among the sons of noble daring-champions of their injured country, 
was Charles Carroll of Carrollton, born at Annapolis on the 20th of 
September 1737. He was the son of Daniel Carroll who came from 
King's county Ireland and was named for his grandfather Charles Car- 
roll. The elder Carrolls were highly charged with liberal principles 
and planted them deeply in the minds of their sons. Nor did the pre- 
cious seed fall on barren ground. Obeying the precepts and imitating 
the examples of his patriotic sire, young Charles Carroll proved worthy 
of the high source from which he sprang. He was emphatically one 
of the same stamp. 

At the early age of eight years his embryo talents shone so brightly 
that his father determined on giving them an opportunity to bud, blos- 
som and expand amidst the literary bowers of Europe. He was first 
sent to a seminary in France. His untiring application to his studies 
and manly deportment at the different seminaries through which he 
passed, gained for him a finished education and the esteem of all his 
acquaintances. At the age of twenty he commenced the study of law 
in London, England, where he ripened into manhood and returned to 
his native State in 1764 with a rich fund of useful knowledge, prepared 
to act well his part through life. 

The subject of oppression upon the Americans by the British min- 
istry was freely discussed in England before he left and had prepared 
his mind for the exciting crisis that awaited the colonies. On his re- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 65 

lurn he became an unflinching and able advocate for freedom. He 
possessed a clear head and discriminating mind. In action he was 
cool, deliberate, firm and decisive. His writing talent was of a high 
order. This was admirably developed in 1772. The governor had 
issued a proclamation derogatory to the constitutional rights of the 
people. In a series of essays published in the public papers, Mr, Car 
roll triumphantly vindicated the cause of his insulted constituents-con- 
clusively answering and confuting the combined arguments of the 
governor and his cabinet in favor of the unwarranted pretensions of 
their master. So fully did these essays convince the people that the 
governor aimed at illegitimate power that they hung his proclamation 
upon a gallows and bid defiance to the minions of despotism. Before 
the writer was known the people instructed their representatives to 
record a vote of thanks to the author. When it was ascertained that 
Mr. Carroll was the champion who had bearded the British lion, they 
repaired to his house in great numbers and made the welkin ring with 
plaudits of thankful praise. 

From that time he became a prominent leader of the liberal party- 
an espouser of equal rights-a stern opposer of ministerial wrongs. His 
benign influence radiated its genial rays upon the hearts and confirmed 
the wavering minds of many in the glorious cause of Liberty. In 
bold and glowing colors he portrayed the aggressions of the king, the 
corrupt designs of his ministers and the humiliating consequences of 
tame submission to their arbitrary demands. He was among the first 
to kindle the flame of resistance and light up the torch of Indepen- 
dence. He was among the first to sanction the Declaration of Rights- 
the last of the noble band of sages who signed it who lived to see 
1832. 

On the 18th of July 1776 he was a member of the Maryland Con- 
vention convened to elect delegates to the Continental Congress. He 
was selected for that important station-took his seat on the 2d of Au- 
gust and signed the Declaration of Independence. His talents and 
zeal were highly appreciated by the members of Congress. He had 
previously endeared himself to them by a voluntary mission to Canada 
in conjunction with Franklin, Chase and Bishop Carroll. The object 
of their visit was to persuade the people of the Canadas to unite with 
the Colonies in throwing off the yoke of bondage imposed by the mo- 
ther country. The Messrs. CarroUs were Roman Catholics, the pre- 
vailing religion of the Canadians. The other two gentlemen enter- 
tained universal charity for all good men irrespective of manufactured 
creeds. It was fondly hoped their mission would be crowned with 
9 



66 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

succv .s. The defeat of the American troops at Quebec and the death 
of Gen. Montgomery had thrown so much darkness over the future 
prospects of the American cause that they refused to enter the com- 
pact. The consequences of that course have been fearfully developed 
for years and the time is not far distant when the Canadas will be free 
from England to the mutual benefit of both countries. 

On his return he was surprised to find that the Maryland delegates 
in Congress had been instructed by a vote of the Assembly to oppose 
the Declaration of Independence. His influence caused the rescinding 
of that vote and a reversal of the instructions. He felt a strong desire 
that his native state should do full service in the cause of freedom. 
To effect this he spent more time in her legislative hall than in Con- 
ffress. In the formation of her constitution and laws he rendered efii- 

D 

cient aid. From 1788 to 1791 he was a member of the U. S. Senate. 
From that year to 1801 he served in the senate of his own state. He 
then retired from the great theatre of public action in the rich enjoy- 
ment of the esteem of a nation of freemen. For thirty years he was 
spared to enjoy the cheering comforts of domestic felicity and survived 
all the others who had placed their names upon the Chart of our 
liberty. 

In his retirement he delighted in beholding the onward march of 
this favored country, prospering under the care of an all-wise Provi- 
dence-populated by a free and independent people-in rank second to 
no nation on earth-in enterprise traversing the globe-in genius eclips- 
ing the old world-in talent equal to the best. Like a majestic oak 
that had long braved the raging tempest, he stood alone as a signer of 
our Magna Charta calmly awaiting the time when he should be riven 
and gathered to his fathers. Gradually the world lost its former 
charms. More and more his mind became fixed on anticipated scenes 
of future and ])urer bliss. He seemed to ascend the ladder of faith 
and reach out his hand for that crown of unfading glory prepared for 
him by his Lord and Master. In this beatific state his soul was sum- 
moned from its tottering, trembling, falling tenement of clay on the 
14th of November 1832. Calm and resigned he entered Jordan's 
iflood-angels escorted his immortal spirit to Immanuel's peaceful shores 
whilst his grateful country deeply mourned and strongly felt the loss 
of one of her noblest sons-society one of its brightest ornaments-his 
relatives one of their dearest kinsmen. 

Charles Carroll vv^as a man of consistency in everything. He was a 
devoted Christian in communion with the Roman Catholic Church but 
decidedly opposed to a want of charity and kind feeling. He deprecated 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 67 

a spirit of persecution by one sect of Christians towards another. He 
was one of the few who reasoned correctly and acted wisely upon this 
important subject. It is a fact known to but few at this late day that the 
Roman Catholics of Maryland were the first who placed religious tolera- 
tion on a statute book in America. [See laws of Maryland 1647.] Jt 
is also a fact that the Protestants first introduced proscription there. 
After the restoration of Charles II. in 1761, they obtained an order from 
him prohibiting all Roman Catholics from holding any office, which was 
in violation of the charter granted to Lord Baltimore by Charles I. upon 
which the colony was based. Still more. The Protestants having 
become the bride of the state, continued to draw more tightly the cords 
of persecution by authority from William III. The Catholics were 
taxed to support the churches of their oppressors. By an act passed in 
1704, the celebration of mass or the instruction of youth by a Catholic 
insured him transportation to England. In the land of the Puritans, the 
Baptist and Quaker sects were treated more rigorous, being persecuted 
even unto death and by those too who fled from the very persecution 
they practised the moment they obtained the power. So it ever has 
been-so it ever will be until mankind become fully and feelingly sensible 
that sectarimiism is not religion — is not a child of Heaven-that charity is 
the crowning attribute of Deity-the brightest star in the Christian's 
diadem. 

During the excitement in Maryland upon the unhallowed connection 
of church and state, the Carrolls used their best exertions to eflfect a 
reconciliation between the parties which was never fully done until the 
revolution compelled sectarianism to hide its hydra head by uniting all 
sects in the common cause against the common enemy and forever 
banishing its power from our land by the adoption of our Federal Con- 
stitution. Men are as prone to abuse power as the sparks are to fly 
upward. 

In the life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, we have examples rich 
with instruction for youth, manhood and old age-for the lawyer, the 
statesman, the patriot and the Christian. His career was guided by pru- 
dence and virtue. His every action was marked with frankness and 
honesty. He richly merited and freely received the esteem and venera- 
tion of a nation of Freemen. His private and public career were prompted 
and directed by a purity of motive that never fails to render a man useful 
in life-triumphant in death- 



68 THE SAGES AND HEROES 



SAMUEL CHASE. 

Ostracism was the title of a law once in full and practical force in the 

Republic of Athens. It required the banishment of any citizen when six 

thousand of the people voted for his expulsion-there being about twenty 

thousand voters-thus violating the fundamental principle of a republican 

government-^/ie majority must rule and he obeyed. Ruin was the natural 

result. 

Each voter wrote the name of the citizen that was to be banished on 

a shell called in Gxee\i-Ostrakon. These were deposited as are ballots 
at our elections and were counted by persons appointed by law. To the 
ruin of Athens, envy, jealousy and intrigue caused the banishment of 
several of her most illustrious sages and heroes who loved their country 
more than they did political corruption. Among them was Aristides-a* 
noble patriot, statesman and general. When the people were voting in 
his case he mingled with the crowd and met an illiterate peasant who 
did not know him, who asked him to write Aristides upon his shell. 
What injury has Aristides done you 1 The peasant quickly answered- 
JVbwe at all hut I am tired of hearing him called the just. Without reveal- 
ing himself the patriot wrote his own name upon the fatal shell and 
handed it back to the deluded voter. He bowed submissively to his 
sentence of banishment for ten years and invoked a blessing on his 
enemies as he departed. 

A species of political persecution practically analogous to the law of 
ostracism commenced its career in our country as early as the American 
Revolution. Political cliques and venal presses have been the execu- 
tioners. No one of the sages or heroes of that eventful period was so 
severely persecuted by party ostracism after the formation of our republic 
as Samuel Chase who was born in Somerset County, Maryland, on the 
17th day of April, 1741. He was the son of Rev. Thomas Chase who 
came from England to that province and became pastor of St. Paul's 
Parish in Baltimore, then a new country village and destitute of good 
schools. At the age of two years Samuel was deprived of the tender 
care of his mother by her premature death. Under the instruction of 
his father he became an accomplished classical scholar. At the age of 
eighteen he commenced the study of law under the direction of John 
Hammond and John Hull of Annapolis. At the age of twenty he was 
admitted to the bar of the Mayor's Court and two years after to that of 
the County Court and the Court of Chancery. He located at Annapolis 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 69 

and filled up the rib vacuum by marrying the worthy and intelligent 
Ann Baldwin-a very sensible and fair business transaction. 

Mr. Chase was not long in acquiring the reputation of a sound law- 
yer and able advocate. He was of a sanguine temperament-bold, 
fearless, undisguised, independent in mind, language and action but 
honest, patriotic, and pure in his motives-immovable in his purposes- 
qualities that dignify a man if prudently balanced and prepare him for 
just such times as the Revolution-qualities that often rouse the spirit 
of ostracism in those who aim to ruin those they cannot rule. These 
leading traits, constitutional with Samuel Chase, with the times and 
circumstances that influenced his judgment and governed his actions 
must be kept constantly in view to enable the reader to form a just esti- 
mate of his character which I will impartially and plainly portray. 

On the flood tide of a prosperous business-celebrated for his legal 
acumen and forensic fame-in the full enjoyment of domestic felicity 
and social intercourse with friends-Mr. Chase glided smoothly along 
until his country began to writhe under kingly oppression. The Stamp 
Act, the first born of the scrofulous revenue system devised by the 
putrescent British ministry, met with a hostile reception at Annapolis. 
Mr. Chase and a band of kindred spirits under the cognomen of "Sons 
of Liberty," forcibly seized and destroyed the newly imported stamps 
and burned in efligy the stamp distributer. No further violence was 
then committed. The king's officers opened a newspaper battery 
against this "furious mob" directing their whole artillery against Mr. 
Chase complimenting him with the courtly names-" busy restless incen- 
diary-ringleader of mobs-foul mouthed inflaming son of discord and 
faction-a common disturber of the public tranquillity-a promoter of the 
lawless excesses of the multitude" and other similar emphatic appella- 
tions-conferring upon the young patriot a diploma of distinction little 
anticipated by them. His answers to these vituperations were manly, 
charged with strong and conclusive logic-keen and withering sarcasm. 
The attack brought him fairly into the political field. So delighted 
were the people with the manner he handled the hirelings of the crown 
that they elected him to the colonial assembly. There he took a con- 
spicuous part and became the uncompromising opposer of all measures 
that were not within the pale of the constitution or were tinctured with 
oppression. So strongly was he in favor of liberal principles that he 
gave his whole influence and vote in favor of the repeal of the law that 
compelled the people to support the clergy by which the stipend of his 
father was reduced one-half Pursuant to the law of primogeniture 
then in force this was voting money out of his own pocket. His bold 



70 TPIE SAGES AND HEROES 

and independent course made him a subject of persecution with the 
creatures of the crown and an object of pride and admiration with the 
people. His enemies found him a. bramble full of the keenest thorns 
and were awfully scarified every time they approached him. His 
tongue, pen, logic, sarcasm-all were blighting as a sirocco wind. 

After the repeal of the Stamp Act a calm in the public mind ensued 
but it was a calm of delusion such as precedes a tornado. The inquisi- 
torial rack of the ministry was again put in motion-fresh impositions 
commenced-the fire of discontent was again blown to a blaze. The 
Bill closing the port of Boston with directions to the King's officers to 
seize and send to England for trial those who dared resist the royal 
authority-roused the indignation of colonies that had been rather pas- 
sive. The Congress of 1774 was then devised of which Mr. Chase was 
a member. The deep solemnity, unparalleled wisdom and patient 
deliberations that marked the proceedings of that Congress-shed a lustre 
upon the cause of liberty then in embryo that forced applause from its 
most violent opposers. Had not the cabinet of Great Britain been 
blinded by sordid avarice, mad ambition and political delusion-had not 
the King been a mere automaton, scarcely a moving, walking, talking 
machine-the loyal and logical appeals from that august body of sages 
would have been treated with merited respect and quiet restored. The 
colonists asked for nothing but what was clearly right and asked in the 
most respectful and even suppliant manner. Ministers were left without 
excuse for their subsequent course. Their sacrilegious hands broke the 
areat seal of the social compact-//ie/r agents sowed the seeds of rebel- 
Vion-their cruelty kindled the flame that devoured them-their visionary 
policy severed the cords of maternal affection-//ie?r treachery spread 
the mantle of righteousness over the cause of the Revolution. We 
justly censure them for their corrupt designs but rejoice in the glorious 
result of their plans. Haman erected his own gallows. Grenville and 
North destroyed their own power. 

In 1775 Mr. Chase was returned to Congress with instructions to 
pursue a conciliatory course contrary to his judgment but which he 
implicitly obeyed. He was active and persevering on committees and 
took a deep interest in every measure proposed in favor of freedom. 
He was returned to Congress the next year still trammelled with 
instructions which he truly predicted would soon be removed. In the 
spring of 1776 lie was associated with Messrs. Franklin, Charles and 
Bishop Carroll on a mission to Canada to induce the people there to join 
in the struggle for liberty. They wanted courage to be free and still 
wear the yoke of bondage. On his return he was delighted to find the 



OP THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 71 

question of final separation from mother Britain under consideration and 
boldly advocated the measure. It was the very proposition to animate 
the soul of Samuel Chase. His instructions became burdensome as the 
discussion increased. They were removed just in time for him to 
record his vote in favor of that imperishable instrument that has im- 
mortalized the names of the signers and is the pride of every true 
American. The act of signing the Declaration of Rights gave him 
more joy than any public duty he had ever performed. A short time 
previous to the glorious 4th of July Mr, Chase discovered that a Judas 
was among them in the person of Rev. Dr. Zubly of Georgia who was 
clandestinely corresponding with the enemy. So bold and so suddenly 
did he expose the traitor on the floor of Congress that " the gentleman 
from Georgia " plead guilty and suddenly retired. His arrest was 
ordered but when the officer went to his cage the bird had flown and 
was never bagged. As an able statesman recently remarked, he was 
left in the very worst company-with himself. Mr. Chase was all 
industry in every position in which he was placed. In the discussions 
upon the Articles of Confederation he took a deep interest and active 
part. He considered their adoption indispensable in carrying on the 
good work of political regeneration. The basis of representation and 
the mode of voting were the two great points at issue that consumed 
the most time in argument. 

In the fall of 1776 Messrs. Chase, Wilson, Clymer, Stockton and 
Smith were made a committee to take charge of the War Department- 
then the most important of either. Mr. Chase was upon the commit- 
tee for suppressing internal enemies and became a terror to the tories 
and certain Quakers in and adjacent to Philadelphia who were circu- 
lating papers adverse to the American cause and were in communica- 
tion with the enemy. A report, with documents proving the charge 
was submitted to Congress. Several leading members of the Society 
of Friends were confined-the seditious papers suppressed and a re- 
spectful neutrality induced on the part of that very respectable Society 
whose creed opposing war had led some of its members into an erro- 
neous interference. The tories took shelter under the wings of the 
British army. The course pursued by Congress was then deemed 
harsh hy some and will still appear so to a casual reader who is not 
familiar with the rules of war. Agreeably to the martial code of other 
nations-then the precedent guide for Congress-the punishment would 
have been much more severe. The mildness of the sentence was an 
antepast of a more enlarged liberty under the new form of government. 
By the religious tenets of the Friends it can never be sanctioned-by 



72 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

every friend of liberty the necessity of such a case is always regretted. 
Each social compact and individual in every government must be sub- 
ject to the laws of the land-must submit to the ruling power that order 
may be maintained. 

In 1778 the Brhish Parliament devised a stratagem by which they 
hoped to create a division among the patriots. Printed papers were 
circulated among the people containing conciliatory and flattering pro- 
positions and announcing the appointment of commissioners to perfect 
these inglorious terms of peace. So ingeniously were these papers 
worded that it was deemed necessary to prepare an answer. This 
important task was imposed upon Mr. Chase. Most ably did he per- 
form his duty. He unmasked the base hypocrisy of the scheme-ex- 
posed the delusive gull-trap to the consuming fire of sarcastic logic- 
poured upon it the burning lava of ridicule and raised the indignation 
and scorn of the people against it to ninety degrees above zero. So 
well was it received by Congress that a larger number than usual was 
ordered printed and a resolution passed recommending all the clergy 
to read it to their congregations after service on Sunday. Like all the 
other plans the British ministers devised to enslave the colonies-it 
recoiled upon their own heads with all the force of fearful reaction. 

This brilliant display of talent closed the congressional labors of this 
devoted friend of liberty. He retired crowned with the rich honors 
of an able statesman, sage, patriot and honest man. He had stood 
firm at his post-a faithful public servant, a bold advocate for freedom, 
a safe counsellor in every emergency, a fearless champion when dan- 
ger pressed, an ornament to his country, a terror to the enemies of 
liberty. As a working man he had no superior-as a debater he had 
few equals. Without the mellifluous elocution of a Cicero-free from 
pleonastic parade-he spoke forcibly, reasoned closely, demonstrated 
clearly, deduced conclusively. He sought to inform the judgment, 
enhghten the understanding and convince by sound argument. Until 
the close of the struggle for freedom he continued to render efficient 
service to the glorious cause and then resumed his profession in the 
full enjoyment of the confidence of his constituents and the consolation 
of an approving conscience. 

Soon after the close of the Revolution Mr. Chase was employed by 
the state of Maryland to prosecute a claim for bank stock in England 
and obtained for it six hundred and fifty thousand dollars. His journal 
shows that he was a minute observer of men and things. His high 
legal attainments, scholastic and legislative reputation, gentlemanly 
deportment, thorough business habits-combined to make a favorable 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 73 

impression upon parliament, the English courts and barristers gene- 
rally. He was absent less than a year and accomplished more busi- 
ness than some would have done in five. On his return he again took 
his place at the Bar. 

In 1786 his worthy friend, Col. Howard, conveyed to him a square 
of ten lots in the city of Baltimore near the site of the public buildings, 
on condition of his locating there. He accepted the proposition and 
changed his residence to that city. This square is bounded by Eutaw, 
Lexington, Fayette and Paca streets. The mansion-house, built by 
Mr. Chase is still owned by his descendants. In 1788 he was ap- 
pointed Chief Justice of the new criminal court organized for the 
county of Baltimore. The same year he was a member of the Mary- 
land Convention that ratified the Federal Constitution. In 17.91 he 
was appointed Chief Justice of the General Court of Maryland. In 
1796 he was appointed an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of 
the United States by President Washington which dignified station he 
filled with great ability to the time of the illness which terminated his 
life. He was considered one of the ablest judges upon the bench, 
When he presided in the lower courts his decisions, when carried up 
to the higher legal tribunals, were seldom reversed. His expositions 
of law and charges to juries were plain, learned, luminous, logical, 
profound. His manner was forcible, impressive, commanding. With 
all this lustre clustering around him, encircled by the sacred halo of 
great and acknowledged services in the cause of Independence, still 
green and fresh in the memory of millions-Judge Chase was placed in 
the crucible of unrelenting ostracism prompted by political animosity 
created by the lofty independence of thought and expression constitu- 
tional with him and which prompted him to act a bold and conspicu- 
ous part when the vials of British wrath were poured out upon our 
bleeding country. As I shall attempt carrying him through his perse- 
cutions unscathed the critical attention of the reader is requested. He 
was a federalist-I am an old school democrat and go for the compro- 
mises and our UNION. 

In January 1804, John Randolph obtained the passage of a resolu- 
tion in the House of Representatives of the United States instituting 
an inquiry into the official conduct of Judge Chase. As a hypocritical 
salvo the name of Judge Peters was joined with his. No one was 
more competent and no one could be more persevering than was Mr. 
Randolph in his gigantic efforts to destroy Judge Chase. The com- 
mittee to which the resolution was referred reported on the 6th day 
of the ensuing March, acquitting Judge Peters and recommending the 
10 



74 THE SAGES AN DHEROES 

impeachment of Judge Chase, the real object of political revenge. 
On the 26th of the same month articles of impeachment were reported 
based upon the following premises. 

In 1800 Judge Chase presided on the bench of the U. S. Circuit 
Court at Philadelphia, assisted by Judge Peters of the District Court 
of Pennsylvania when and where John Fries was put upon his trial a 
second time for high treason against the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania, owing to some informality in his previous trial before Judges 
Iredel and Peters. Having been fully informed of the points of law 
at issue and of the proceedings at the first trial, Judge Chase had pre- 
pared an elaborate exposition of the law upon treason without referring 
to a single fact in the case. With the approval of Judge Peters he 
furnished a copy to the counsel for defendant, the District Attorney 
and reserved one for the jury after the trial should be completed. 
Messrs. Lewis and Dallas, counsel for the prisoner, affected to consider 
this a pre-judgment of the case and permitted Fries to be tried without 
the aid of counsel-unquestionably intending and successfully succeed- 
ing in creating a general sympathy that procured his pardon imme- 
diately after conviction. Fries subsequently called on Judge Chase 
and thanked him for his impartial and generous course upon the trial. 
Tlie whole matter was then looked at in its true light-a ruse of inge- 
nious counsel. No one attributed bad motives to the bench. The 
approval of honest clear-headed Judge Peters is conclusive proof that 
Judge Chase was judicially right-^rmrt/aczc evidence that his motives 
were pure. He had written an opinion upon the law-woi upon the 
facts of the case. This he had frankly furnished to the counsel-not to 
the jury before the trial. He was bound to explain the law to the 
grand jury before they should proceed to their business-to the traverse 
jury when he gave them their charge. This constituted the first charge 
in the articles of impeachment. 

Shortly after the trial of Fries he presided at Richmond, Virginia, 
when and where one Callendar was tried under the Sedition Law for 
publishing a libel upon the President. During the trial Judge Chase 
refused the admission of certain testimony offered on the part of the 
prisoner which exasperated those who were opposed to the law in 
question. He honestly believed the law salutary as a check upon the 
venality of the press-others thought differently. Right or wrong-his 
oath of office bound him to act under the law so long as it remained 
m force. That his decision was legally correct must be presumed 
from the fact that under the great excitement then existing no writ of 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 7b 

oxYov was taken in the case. Tliis formed tlie foundation of the second 
f^hargc. 

From Pichmond he proceeded to New Castle, Delaware, where he 
presided, aided by Judge Bedford. In his charge to the grand jury 
he gave his views frankly upon the Sedition Law that they might 
fully understand what constituted a breach of its provisions, knowing 
that one or more cases of its violation would come before them. As 
an illustration he alluded to certain matter published in a high-toned 
party paper printed in that district that violated the provisions of this 
law. This gave great offence to the opposite party. The allusion to 
the paper was legal under any circumstances by way of explanation 
but may be considered uncourteous until we understand that it went 
immediately into the hands of the grand jury as testimony which 
made it in all respects a legitimate document to be alluded to by him. 
Ingenuity could not then nor with its prolific growth could it now con- 
strue the act into a pre-judgment of the case. The publication was 
before him-he alluded to that but to no individual. It was clearly a 
violation of the meaning and intent of the law-who published it was 
left for the jury to determine if they could. This constituted the ground 
of the third article of impeachment. 

In delivering his charge to the grand jury in 1803, Judge Chase 
made sundry remarks upon the politics of the day reflecting upon cer- 
tain acts of the democratic party. This was a surplusage of duty but 
not cause for impeachment. It resulted from his sanguine tempera- 
ment, the great poUtical excitement of that period-not from any im- 
purity of motive. He believed laws had been passed for party purposes 
that were unconstitutioual. If he was in error then, his position has 
often been verified since. Freedom of speech is a constitutional privi- 
lege-he used the same liberty practised by his opponents and which 
was not then trammelled by the obnoxious Sedition Law. It was not 
a proper time or place to read a political lecture but it does not follow 
that his designs were corrupt or his conduct criminal. The ermine of 
a judge is not beautified by being powdered with the farina of politics- 
his right to think and speak upon the subject none will question. If 
he speaks at an improper time and place it is an error-not a crime. 
He animadverted upon the change of the right of suffrage in the con- 
stitution of his own state to which he had strong objections. With 
him many of the devoted patriots of the revolution deemed the elec- 
tive franchise unsafe with ignorant men who did not fully comprehend 
and appreciate their rights. The reasons for this opinion grow less as 
intelligence increases. In some of the states a property qualification 



76 OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOJV. 

is Still necessary to entitle a man to vote and in others he must be a 
freeholder to entitle him to hold certain town offices. An anxiety to 
preserve the government pm-e unquestionably pervaded the bosom of 
Judge Chase. 

In concluding his charge he spoke strongly against the changes that 
had been made in the judiciary system of the United States. He attri- 
buted them to party politics-deemed them personal in their object and 
not conducive to public good in theii* operations. As these related to 
his official duties they were legitimate points for remark. It was a mat- 
ter of course that a man like him should comment freely and severely 
upon what he conceived a personal and public wrong. He never dined 
at the half-way house. In all that has been presented I can find nothing 
to impugn the honesty of his intentions or the purity of his motives. 

Upon these premises six articles of impeachment were framed at first 
and at the next session of Congress two more were added-the natural 
increase of a year. On the 2d of January 1805 Judge Chase was 
arraio-ned before the Senate of the United States. A majority of the 
members were politically opposed to him but amongst them w-ere men 
who loved justice more than party. The herculean powers of John 
Randolph were brought to bear upon him in the full plenipotence of their 
force. The trial continued until the first of March except a short recess. 
A portion of this time the Judge was confined by illness. He was ably 
and successfully defended by Messrs. Martin. Hopkinson, Harper and 
Key. Of five of the charges he was acquitted by a majority of the 
Senate. A constitutional number could not be obtained to convict him 
on the others-he stood approved, acquitted, triumphant over his enemies 
at the highest tribunal of his country-looking upon his collossal van- 
quished political foes, with mingled pity and contempt. He had never 
doubted the favorable result and properly regarded the prosecution as a 
political bagatelle. 

From that period to the time of his last illness his peace was undis- 
turbed. He continued to be an ornament to the judiciary, an honor to 
his country, the faithful friend of human rights and equal justice. On 
the 19th of June 1811, surrounded by his family and friends, he bade a 
last farewell to sublunary things and died peaceful and happy. A large 
number of relatives, an extensive circle of friends and a grateful nation 
mourned his loss. 

In the character of this great and good man we find no corruption to 
condemn-many strong and brilliant traits to admire. As a revolutionary 
patriot he stood on a lofty eminence-as a statesman he rendered many 
and important services-as a lawyer he enjoyed a high reputation-as a 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 77 

judge he sustained an exalted position. All the charges against him 
have been faithfully spread before the reader. The result of their inves- 
tigation caused his powerful enemies to weave for him a higher eulogium 
than language can express. I find no evidence of guile in his heart. He 
felt strongly-expressed his opinions freely and acted sincerely so far as 
we can judge from the record. 

Against his private character slander and malice never directed an 
arrow. He was in all respects above suspicion. He was a kind husband, 
an affectionate father, a warm friend-an open, honorable, scarifying 
opponent. His sanguine temperament was calculated to gain strong 
friends and violent enemies. He handled his political opposers with 
great severity which accounts for the mighty effort made to ostracise 
him from the Bench. He possessed a noble and benevolent disposition- 
was a friend to the poor and needy, to education and to everything that 
enhanced the happiness of those around him and the human family. 
Under his benefaction the celebrated William Pinkey was educated and 
made a man. He often referred gratefully to his benefactor in after life. 
He was an active member of St. Paul's church and did much to promote 
practical piet}^ sound morals and social order. His force, vigor, decision 
of character and stern integrity were well calculated for the period in 
which he lived. If he sometimes offended by soaring above the non- 
committal system of technical politics, it resulted from the strong com- 
bination of conflicting circumstances that uniformly attend the period of 
a revolution, the formation of a new government and the asperity of 
high toned party feeling operating upon the sensitive feelings of an ardent, 
patriotic, honest, independent mind. 



ABRAHAM CLARK. 

A large proportion of the most substantial and useful men who have 
filled the measure of their country's glory and enrolled their names on 
the scroll of fame, were not ushered into public notice under the 
streamer of a collegiate diploma fluttering in the fickle wind of popu- 
larity. A clear head, strong common sense, an investigating and 
analyzing mind, with a judgment matured in the school of experience, 
are the grand requisites to prepare a man for sterling usefulness. With- 
out these you vainly pour upon him the classic stream. It is like water 
poured upon the interminable sand-it invigorates for a moment, then 
sinks and leaves the surface dry and unproductive. If there is no sub- 
stratum to retain the appliances of irrigation, the soil is not worth the 



78 THESAGESANDHEROES 

labor. I do not undervalue high seminaries of learning and highly 
appreciate a liberal education. I only wish to correct the opposite 
extreme that is gaining rapidly among us, of placing too high a value 
upon them, making a classical course the grand requisite of prospective 
usefulness. I also wish to encourage those who have talent and only 
a good English education, to expand their wings of usefulness and 
imitate the examples of Franklin, Sherman, Abraham Clark and others 
who have graced the theatre of human action without the aid of a col- 
legiate education. If they do not soar like eagles they may still be 
useful for there is more good to be achieved and more need of labor in 
low life than high. An humble bird saved Rome. 

Abraham Clark was born at Elizabethtown, Essex county. New 
Jersey on the 15th of February 1726. He was the only son of Thomas 
Clark who held the office of Alderman, at that time a dignified station 
filled by men of merit. He was a farmer, a man of strong common 
sense and instilled into the mind of his son the enduring principles of 
moral rectitude that governed his actions through life. He received a 
good English education and was designed for the ennobling pursuit of 
aoriculture. Of a slender frame and feeble constitution he was unable 
to endure hard labor but continued to superintend the improvement of 
the paternal domain left him by his father. He was an accomplished 
mathematician and was extensively employed in surveying and con- 
veyancing. He was also an elementary lawyer and a safe gratuitous 
counsellor. He often saved his friends from the vexatious labyrinth of 
litigation by assuaging the angry elements of passion and leading them 
to the pure fountain of equal justice. He was called the poor man's 
counsellor and did much to allay disputes and promote harmony among 
his neighbors. He enjoyed the blessing pronounced on peace makers. 
His decisions were based on correct legal principles and impartial 
justice. He was often selected an arbitrator in different counties to 
settle disputed land titles. His knowledge and legal acquirements, 
united by an acute judgment, became so highly appreciated, that he 
was appointed by the Assembly to settle the claims to undivided com- 
mons. He filled the office of sheriff-was appointed clerk of the Legis- 
lature-doing credit to himself and dignifying every station he occupied. 
As he became known to the public his talents were more highly appre- 
ciated-not because they kindled to a blaze calculated to excite the 
huzzas of the multitude one day and possibly receive their execrations 
the next-but because they exemplified unwavering rectitude, strict 
justice, moral worth and disinterested patriotism. 

When the vials of oppression were poured upon his native colony by 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 79 

the mother country Mr. Clark was among the first to contend for liberal 
principles and equal rights. Cool, reflective and deliberate-he had the 
confidence of his fellow citizens and exercised a wise and salutary 
influence over them. His actions flowed from the pure fountain of a 
good heart guided by a clear head and a mature judgment. He 
weighed impartially and felt most keenly British injustice towards the 
colonies. He was an active and bold leader in primary meetings firmly 
opposing the unreasonable claims of the crown. He was a prominent 
member of the Committee of Safety and did much to consoHdate that 
phalanx of sages and heroes which stood firm and unbroken amidst the 
storms of wrath poured on them for seven years. He had a peculiar 
talent to rouse his fellow citizens to action on all proper occasions, 
always moving within the orbit of sound discretion. 

Jn June 1776 he took his seat in the continental Congress where he 
fully sustained his previous high reputation for patriotism and good 
sense. To such men as him we owe the liberty we now enjoy. Revo- 
lution is too often the offspring of faction. When so, the successful 
actors, after annihilating the power assailed often plunge into tenfold 
corruption. Demagogues may rouse the angry passions of the multi- 
tude to a curling flame but it requires such men as Franklin, Sherman 
and Clark to ride upon the whirlwind, direct the tornado and rule the 
storm of passion. They could guide the liquid streams of mental fire 
and conduct them harmless in their course. 

Although the American Revolution did not originate in fanaticism- 
the centrifugal zeal of many of its able advocates carried them beyond 
the orbit of prudence. Upon such men Mr. Clark exercised a happy 
influence. Although they may not be able to make a flowery speech 
of three hours or three days at the expense of thousands to our nation- 
yet it is to such men we must look for the perpetuity of our UNION. 
It is for them to steer the ship of State clear from the rocks and shoals 
of error and avoid the breakers of rashness, intrigue and corruption. 
They are the neutralizers of the inflammatory gases that fly from the 
fiery craniums of many of our legislators who are more classical than 
discreet-more in the forum than in the committe room-more anxious 
to advance their party than the good of their country. 

Mr. Clark was warmly in favor of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. For this strong and important measure he had long been pre- 
pared from a strong conviction that no reasonable or honorable terms 
would be sanctioned by the ambitious and haughty ministry of Great 
Britain. He believed that abject slavery awaited the colonists unless 
the gordian knot of allegiance was cut at one bold stroke. On the 4th 



80 THE SAGES AND HEROES ^ 

of July 1776, his affirmative vote and signature upon the chart of 
Liberty proved his sincerity and gained for him the approval of his 
conscience and the approbation of admiring millions. 

He was continued in Congress for seven consecutive years, except 
spending one session in the state legislature. Owing to his naturally 
strong and highly cultivated mind, great industry and extensive fund 
of practical knowledge, he was one of the most useful members of the 
national legislature. From 1783 to 1788 he was a member of the 
legislature in his own state. So great was his influence that every 
act that excited public attention was attributed to him. 

Mr. Clark was a strong advocate for the Convention that framed 
the Federal Constitution. He was appointed a member but extreme 
illness prevented his attendance. In 1788 he was again elected to 
Congress. At the next congressional election he was defeated for the 
first time. This reminds me of the law of Ostracism in the Republic 
of Athens under which many of its citizens were banished by the 
iiame demagogue party spirit that has banished many of our best men 
from the political arena. Mr. Clark was then appointed to the import- 
ant station of commissioner to settle the state accounts with the general 
government. At the ensuing election the people, upon a sober second 
thought, again elected him to Congress of which he remained a member 
up to the time of his death. He died in June 1774 from the effects 
of coup de soliel [a stroke of the sun] in two hours from the time he 
was taken ill. 

Mr. Clarke was truly pious, a pure patriot and an honest man. He 
was a faithful public sentinel, a kind and aflectionate friend, an honor- 
able and generous opponent. His death was deeply mourned by our 
nation and most keenly felt by his numerous personal friends. His 
fame is worthy of the highest encomiums-his example should be more 
closely imitated. 



GEOEGE CLYMER. 

Learning makes the man, is an adage too old to be used as a quo 
tation but which time or angels can never stamp with truth. Unless 
the man is made by the Creator of all good, learning cannot do it 
The mental powers of man are as diversified as the soils of earth and 
as well deserve classification. Upon the minds of some we may pour 
a continued stream from the fountain of knowledge but like the desert 
of Sahara they are barren of fruit or flower. Upon other minds 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 81 

laborious efforts produce an improvement but never enrich them 
Their upper crust is too light-their substratum too porous to retain 
the fructifying substances lavished upon them. Others yield a liberal 
harvest by good culture and become valuable by use. Like the allu- 
vial prairies, others are adorned with fruits and flowers. They only 
require the introduction of seed to afford all the rich varieties of 
products that may be desired. Expose them to the genial rays of the 
sun of science-the germs of genius will immediately spring up-the 
embryo forms will bud and blossom like the rose. 

The mental powers of George Clymer were composed of a deep 
and prolific mould capable of producing the richest fruits. Fortunately 
for our country it was not appropriated entirely to ornamental flowers 
and blooming shrubbery but to the substantial fruits that invigorate 
and support life. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1739. His 
father removed to that city from Bristol, England and died when 
George was but seven years old. William Coleman, his maternal 
uncle, took him into his family, treated him as a son and made him 
heir to most of his property. Being a literary man he gave his nephew 
every facility for the acquirement of a good education. He had an 
extensive library and rejoiced to see it explored by young George who 
manifested an early taste for reading and investigated critically every 
subject that came before him. He traced it through all its meander- 
ings to its primeval source. This trait in his character rendered him 
vastly useful in the momentous concerns of his subsequent life. He 
dug deep and laid firmly the foundations of his education-the super- 
structure was on a firm basis. 

From the seminary George went into the counting-house of his 
uncle and became thoroughly acquainted with the mercantile business 
in which he finally embarked. This calling was too precarious to 
suit his equipoised mind. He was opposed to sudden gains or losses- 
the one elated the mind too much-the other depressed it too low- 
destroying the divine equilibrium calculated to impart the greatest 
happiness to man and assimilate him to his Creator. He believed a 
virtuous equality in life more conducive to the prosperity of a nation 
than to have the majority of wealth wielded by a favored few. The 
former tended to republicanism-the latter to aristocracy. He was in 
favor of equal rights, a patriot of the Roman school, a philanthropist 
of the first water-opposed to all monopolies. His genius was of that 
original order, that, like some comets, visit our world only at long 
mtervals. It traversed the circuit of human nature, metaphysics, phi- 
losophy, physiology, ethics and general science without an apparent 
11 



82 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

effort-drawing from each conclusions peculiarly its own. He was a 
virtuoso, an amateur, a deep logician and an acute mathematician. 
A love of liberty was innate with him. His mind was richly stored 
with the history of other times and nations-he was well versed in the 
principles of law and government-he understood the chartered rights 
of his country and felt, most keenly, the increasing infringements upon 
them by the very power that was bound by the laws of nature, man 
and God to respect them. He was among the first to resist the oppres- 
sors of his country and proclaim to his fellow-citizens the principles 
of freedom. At the tea meeting held by the people of Philadelphia on 
the 16th of Oct. 1773, his powerful reasoning, deep sincerity, ardent 
zeal and enthusiastic patriotism-commanded the admiration of all who 
heard him. Free from pedantry and naturally retiring-his powers of 
mind were known only to his immediate friends. From that time his 
talents were claimed as public property. He was compelled to sur- 
render possession without the formality of a mandamus, quo ivarranto 
certiorari or appeal. 

When the final crisis arrived-when the shrill war-cry came rushing 
through the air from the heights of Lexington, Mr. Clymer took com- 
mand of a company under Gen. Cadwalader and repaired to the tented 
field He was a member of the Council of Safety and had served on 
most of the committees to prepare petitions, remonstrances and other 
measures of redress. On the 29th of July 1775 Congress called him 
from the camp to aid Michael Hillegas in managing the public trea- 
sury. He subscribed liberally to the loan raised for the public service 
and placed all the specie he could raise into the public chest and took 
in return ephemeral paper. His examples and influence caused many 
to rush to the rescue regardless of consequences. In July 1776 he 
was elected to Congress after the 4th and on taking his seat placed his 
name upon the Declaration of Independence. A part of the preceding 
delegation from Pennsylvania, finding the Declaration of Rights would 
be adopted, were seized with crown fits and nothing but absquatu- 
lating powders promised any relief to the spasmodic attack. As secu- 
rity for the payment of this medicine they put in leg bail and vanished. 
The people promptly filled their places with men who dared to be 
free. 

In September of that year Messrs. Clymer and Stockton were sent 
by Congress to visit the northern army and confer with Gen. Wash- 
ington upon ft^iture arrangements. In December of the same year 
Congress retired to Baltimore in consequence of the approach of the 
enemy, then devastating New Jersey. Mr. Clymer was one of the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 83 

committee left to superintend the public interests and brave the perils 
that were rushing on like a tornado. He was re-elected to Congress 
and in April 1777 was again upon a visiting committee to the army to 
confer with Washington upon all subjects that required prompt atten- 
tion which were neither few, small or far between. In the autumn 
of that year a fresh momentum was given to the patriotism of Mr. 
Clymer. He had removed his family and goods to Chester county. 
Immediately after the battle of Brandywine the tories led the British 
to his house who destroyed a large amount of his property. His 
family fled just in time to be saved the worse than savage tortures 
inflicted upon every prominent patriot's wife and mother they could 
seize. This sacrifice upon the altar of liberty strengthened him in the 
cause of freedom imparting fresh vigor to his exertions. Such conduct 
on the part of the British operated as a talisman in consolidating the 
colonies in one solid phalanx of unyielding opposition. Its eloquence 
soared above all words-it was action-action-action-demoniac action. 

In December 1779 Mr. Clymer was one of a committee sent to Fort 
Pitt to induce the Indians to desist from hostilities. The mission con- 
sumed four months and was principally executed by him alone, nar- 
rowly escaping the tomahawk during his absence. It was found ne- 
cessary to carry the war into the Indian settlements. During the year 
after his return he devoted his time in raising supplies for the army 
then in a very destitute condition. In 1780 he was again returned to 
Congress and served until November when he was associated with 
John Nixon in the organization of the Bank of North America which 
contributed largely in raising the prostrate credit of the government 
and yet stands upon a firm basis with fair prospects of surviving 
whilst our Republic continues. In May 1782 he was associated with 
Mr. Rutledge on a mission through the Southern States to induce 
them to meet more promptly the requisitions for supplies. During the 
entire period of the Revolution he devoted his whole time to the ser- 
vice of his country and discharged every duty faithfully. He stood 
high as an able and efficient co-worker in the vineyard of Liberty and 
when the harvest was past and the war ended, he retired from the 
field crowned with living honors enduring as the historic page. 

When peace was proclaimed he removed to Princeton, N, J. for the 
purpose of resting from his toils and educating his children. The en- 
suing year he was persuaded to return to Philadelphia. He was im- 
mediately elected to the legislature and contributed largely in cutting 
from the old Constitution and laws of his native state the obnoxious 
branches of tyranny that still clustered around them. He stripped the 



84 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

penal code of its inquisitorial features and originated and successfully 
advocated the abolishment of death in all cases except for murder in 
the fir§t degree. He was the father of the salutary penitentiary sys- 
tem now in full force at Cherry Hill near the city of Philadelphia- 
solitary confinement and labor. It may not be known to every reader 
that prisoners were formerly compelled to labor in chains, often in 
public places. The superiority of solitary confinement over all other 
modes of punishment has been fully demonstrated and is in a slow 
course of adoption throughout the confines of civilized humanity. 

The mind of Mr. Clymer was prolific and happy in plans of useful- 
ness and utility. To benefit his country and better the condition of 
mankind was his constant aim. To effect this he saw the necessity of 
reducing every department of government to system and order. Ame- 
rican Independence was achieved-to preserve it by reconciling con- 
flicting interests, green-eyed jealousies, incongruous clamors and ima- 
ginary evils, was a herculean task only in embryo. He hailed with 
joy the convention to form the Federal Constitution and had the plea- 
sure of being a member. The result of the labors of that body was 
charged with a deeper interest than the war-struggle for victory over 
the invading armies of England. It involved the fate of our infant 
Republic-then trembling on the verge of ruin. One more plunge and 
it would have been lost in the gulf of primeval chaos. The conflict 
was between members of the same family who had fought the enemy 
in one solid unbroken phalanx-now this band of brothers were sepa- 
rated by local interests and sectional jealousies. To bring the issue to 
a safe termination it required the deepest sagacity, the acutest wisdom, 
the most matured judgment, the profoundest legal learning, the most 
disinterested patriotism, the most exalted charity and the purest spirit 
of conciliation. Happily for our country and the cause of liberty 
these noble principles predominated-the glorious work was accom- 
plished in which Mr. Clymer participated largely. 

This noble patriot was elected to the first Congress that convened 
under the Federal Constitution. He was a stern republican in every 
thing. He was very properly opposed to tacking any titles to the name 
of any public man except that of the office which he held. Excellency, 
Honorable, &c., he considered to be what they really are-shadows of a 
shadow, too vain and imbecile for a freeman. He was wisely opposed 
to the right of instruction from his constituents because they must decide 
without hearing evidence or argument and were themselves uniformly 
directed by a few designing men actuated by motives based on prejudice 
or ignorance. He could not be made the passive tool of demagogue 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 85 

power or the automaton of party spirit. We greatly need many more 
of the same sort at the present time. In the organization of the general 
government he took a very active part. Every subject presented to 
Congress he analyzed with the acumen of a sage, philosopher and states- 
man. He was continued a member until 1790, when he made an effort 
to close his public career. But this he was not permitted to do. Under 
the Act of Congress passed in 1791, imposing a duty on distilled spirits 
Mr. Clymer was appointed to enforce its collection in his own state. In 
Pennsylvania this law produced the whiskey rebellion which required 
military force to restore order. No display of force could prevent Mr. 
Clymer from the performance of his duty. He appointed collectors in 
the different counties, advising the people to submit to the law whilst in 
force and pursue the constitutional remedy for its repeal if they believed 
it wrong. During the height of the excitement he mingled freely with 
the mobocracy when but few men would have been spared if clothed 
with the same office. When order was restored he resigned his situation. 
The last public service he consented to render was in conjunction with 
Colonels Pickens and Hasskins in negotiating a treaty with the Creek 
Indians which was consummated on the 29th of June 1796. He then 
retired to enjoy the fruits of his labors without any to disturb or make 
him afraid. He had periled his life, fortune and' honor for his country- 
he had been her fearless advocate amidst the storms of revolution, civil 
discord and open rebellion-in his retirement he saw her peaceful, pros- 
perous and happy with the illustrious Washington directing her destiny 
to fame and glory. The measure of his ardent desires was filled-he asked 
no more. 

Although retired from the more prominent public arena, Mr. Clymer 
did not seek for inglorious ease-he remained active through life. He 
took a deep interest in every kind of improvement and to many extended 
his fostering care. He was a friend to the laboring classes and became 
familiar with the principles of agriculture and the mechanic trades. 
Among his private papers are many drawings of plans for bridges, 
canals, and various kinds of machinery and implements of husbandry 
with numerous recipes relative to the fine arts. Like Franklin he 
extended his researches to almost every subject within the grasp of man 
and extracted the essential oil from each. He always sought for solid 
substance that was of substantial use. He was opposed to pedantry, 
pomp and parade. He was what would now be called a plain blunt 
man. His bluntness was not of an offensive kind to common sense men. 
It consisted in laconic truth dressed in republican simpUcity-a garb that 
was much admired then but is quite out of fashion wozc-a change oi 



86 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

rather doubtful utility Although he originated many important measures 
in the national and state legislatures, he seldom spoke in the forum anc. 
was often unknown to the public when the author of wise and salutary 
propositions. He was ambitious only to do good and was not anxious 
that his name should be wafted on the breeze of popular applause or 
sounded in the high places of the earth. To be instrumental in benefitting 
tiie human family was the ultimatum of his soul. 

When the importance of a subject induced Mr. Clymer to rise in deba e 
he was listened to with profound attention. As a speaker his example is 
worthy of all imitation. Without any effort at refined eloquence he 
expressed in strong language what he strongly felt. He came directly 
to the point-adhered closely to it in a strain of keen, cutting, conclusive 
and laconic reasoning avoiding recrimination-was always brief, often 
casting into the shade in a few moments the labored and finely dressed 
speeches of his opponents that had cost them days, perhaps weeks to 
prepare and hours to deliver. He aimed his blows at the syllabus of 
their finely spun arguments and often demolished their ornamented super- 
structure at one bold stroke with the damask blade of sound logic drawn 
from the scabbard of plain common sense and wielded by the vigorous 
arm of lucid reason. 

This useful man closed his earthly career at the residence of his son 
in Morrisville, Berks County, Pa., on the 23d of January 1813-most 
deeply mourned by those who knew him best. He was of the middle 
size, well formed, fair complexion, with a countenance attractive, intel- 
ligent, ingenuous, pleasing and expressive of a strong mind. In the 
private walks of life he was a model of human excellence. He was pro- 
verbial for punctuality in all things, if only to take a walk with a friend 
or present a promised toy to a child. In conversation he was agreea- 
ble and instructive-illuminating and enlivening the social circle with 
apothegms, aphorisms and pungent anecdotes-imparting pleasure and 
intelligence to all around him. In all this he was modest, chaste and 
discreet-avoiding any'appearance of superiority, never making personal 
allusions even to his opponents. He spoke ill of no one and rebukea 
slander whenever he discovered it. His morals were of the purest order- 
his philanthropy of the loftiest kind. As a public servant, a private citi- 
zen, a kind husband, a faithful father, a warm friend, an honorable 
opponent and a noble patriot-George Clymer had no superior. He 
visited the widow and the fatherless in their distress and relieved them. 
He kept fiimself unspotted from the world and did all the good in his 
power. His were the fruits of primitive Christianity as taught by the 
Apostles. Let his examples be imitated by all-then our UNION is safe. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 87 



JOHN DICKINSON. 

Frugality is an old fashioned virtue that is deeply covered with the 
alluvion of modern extravagance. With a large proportion of the com- 
munity-economy is no longer a governing principle. More generatly is 
this the case with public bodies and associations. When we look at the 
enormous and worse than useless expense of public buildings a large 
proportion of them are marked with an extravagance far from republican 
simplicity-large expenditures without enlarging comfort or convenience. 
Girard College is an example in point. A large portion of the money 
expended on that too splendid structure, was diverted from its legitimate 
channe\-the support and education of the poor orphan. It is a tolerated- 
not an excusable error. So with many other public buildings erected 
with money drawn directly and indirectly from the hard earnings of the 
people. As inconsistent as it is-professing Christians have adopted this 
error with a vengeance-although the great Author of Christianity was 
born in a stable-cradled in a manger and preached his thrilling soul- 
cheering sermons in the open air. As churches are now conducted-how 
great the change-how alarming the contrast. The landmarks of primi- 
tive Christianity are buried by the alluvion of human inventions. Mil- 
lions are expended in building extravagant edifices-furnishing them with 
velvet, damask or other cushions-the congregation involved in debt-the 
poor necessarily excluded-when half the amount contracted would have 
been sufficient and the other half should have been expended to alleviate 
the wants of the suffering poor and in sending the Gospel of Peace to the 
destitute. Extravagant professed followers of the lowly Jesus-think of 
this when you rise from reposing-perhaps sleeping on your gaudy 
church cushions. Think of the birth place of your Lord-of his life of 
poverty-his friendship to the poor-his constant efforts to do them good— 
of the habits and limited comforts of his disciples-and more-think how 
destitute you are of the very foundation of true religion-HUMiLixv. How 
will you answer for these things at the searching tribunal of the great 
Jehovah 1 Even your funerals are marked with an extravagance that 
should be reduced to an amount that would leave a sum sufficient to 
make your poor neighbors comfortable for a long time. If you would 
honor the religion of the immaculate Redeemer-learn and practice 
frugality-enlarge your charity and adorn your conduct with consistency. 

With the true patriots of the American Revolution frugality was pro- 
verbial. Independence Hall, built of plain brick and mortar, was deemed 



88 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

sufficiently splendid for the accommodation of the master spirits of that 
eventful era. A plain yard, with native forest trees for an ornament, was 
satisfactory. Now nothing but a marble structure, surrounded by exten- 
sive highly ornamented pleasure grounds, at an expense of millions, will 
answer for the legislators of this anti-republican era. The dear people 
are no longer consulted relative to the expenses of our government-to 
pay is their only privilege. Imported extravagance-imported customs- 
apish imitations of European usages-are fast driving republican sim- 
plicity from our once happy land. If the people tamely submit to these 
gross innovations they will ultimately reap the bitter fruits of their culpa- 
ble neglect of duty. 

Among the sages of the American Revolution, John Dickinson 
figured conspicuously. He was born in Maryland in 1732. After i 
acquiring a good education he read law and had a lucrative practice 
in the city of Philadelphia. He was elected to the legislature at an 
early age and became a prominent member-an eloquent speaker and 
ready writer. He was a member of the General Congress in 1765 
when he boldly exposed the unwarranted conduct of crown officers 
urged on by corrupt ministers. In 1767 he published a series of letters- 
boldly exposing the unconstitutional features of sundry acts of parlia- 
ment. They contributed largely towards preparing the people for 
that resistance which resulted in freedom. 

Mr. Dickinson was a member of the important preliminary Con- 
gress of 1774 and wrote the lucid petition to the King that emanated 
from that body. He was the author of the declaration published by 
the Congress of 1775 which ably set forth the causes that impelled 
the down-trodden colonists to take up arms and resolve on victory or 
death. The second petition to the King was from his pen and adopted 
by Congress. All his writings were well suited to the occasions that 
induced them and were eminently calculated to advance the cause of 
the patriots. He was slow to believe England could not be brought 
to see and relinquish her suicidal course. He believed the Declaration 
of Independence premature and did not vote for it. He had great 
confidence in his own persuasive powers. His opposition to the De- 
claration of Rights caused his constituents to give him leave of absence. 
He subsequently sanctioned it and repented of his error. In 1779 he 
was again elected to Congress and became a zealous, active, useful 
member. The following extract from an address, adopted by Congress 
on the 26th of May 1779, is from his pen. 

" Infatuated as your enemies have been from the beginning of this 
«;ontest do you imagine they can flatter themselves with a hope of con- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 89 

quering you unless you are false to yourselves ? When unprepared, 
undisciplined and unsupported-you opposed their fleets and armies in 
full conjoined force-then, if at any time, was conquest to be appre- 
hended. Yet, what progress towards it have their violent and inces- 
sant efforts made ? Judge from their own conduct. Having devoted 
you to bondage and after vainly wasting their blood and treasure in 
the dishonorable enterprise-they deigned at length to offer terms of 
accommodation with respectful addresses to that once despised body- 
the Congress-whose humble supplications, only for peace and safety, 
they had contemptuously rejected under pretence of its being an un- 
constitutional assembly. Nay more-desirous of seducing you into a 
deviation from the paths of rectitude from which they had so far and 
rashly wandered, they made most specious offers to tempt you into a 
violation of your faith given to your illustrious ally." 

" Foiled again and stung with rage, embittered by envy-they had 
no alternative but to renounce the inglorious and ruinous controversy 
or to resume their former modes of prosecuting it. They chose the 
latter. Again the savages are stimulated to horrid massacres of wo- 
men and children and domestics to the murder of their masters. Again 
our brave and unhappy brethren are doomed to miserable deaths in 
jails and prison-ships. To complete the sanguinary system-all the 
* EXTREMITIES of War' are denounced against you by authority. * * 
Rouse yourselves, therefore, that this campaign may finish the great 
work you have so nobly carried on for several years past. What na- 
tion ever engaged in such a contest under such a complication of dis- 
advantages so soon surmounted many of them and in so short a period 
of time had so certain a prospect of a speedy and happy conclusion. 
We will venture to pronounce that so remarkable an instance exists 
not in the annals of mankind. * * * Consider how much you have 
done and how comparatively little remains to be done to crown you 
with success. Persevere and you insure peace, freedom, safety, 
glory, sovereignty and felicity to yourselves, your children and your 
children's children." * * * 

" Fill up your battalions-be prepared in every part to repel the in- 
cursions of your enemies-place your several quotas in the constitu- 
tional treasury-lend money for public uses-sink the emissions of your 
several states-provide effectually for expediting the conveyance of 
supplies for your armies and fleets and for your allies-prevent the pro- 
duce of your country from being monopolized-efiectually superintend 
the behaviour of public officers (what a poser if the dear people should 
do this imperious duty now) diligently promote piety, virtue, brotherly 
12 



90 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

love, learning, frugality and moderation and may you be approved 
before Almighty God-worthy of those blessings we devoutly wish you 
to enjoy." 

Here is a bright specimen of the republican principles that governed 
the public officers and people of the Revolution. They are too simple 
for the present portentous era of imported extravagance and customs- 
too pure for the politicians of our time. They will be read with ap- 
proving admiration-but few will put them in practice. 

Mr. Dickinson filled the office of President of Pennsylvania and sub- 
sequently removed to the state of Delaware and there filled the same 
chair. His political writings were collected and published in 1810 
making two volumes octavo. His famous " Farmer's Letters to the 
Inhabitants of the British Colonies" were so highly prized by the 
astute Franklin that he had them republished in London and sent a 
French translation to Paris. But few of the sages did as much with 
their pen as this patriot. He lived to enjoy the fruits of his labors to 
a good old age. He resided at Wilmington, Delaware, for a long time 
where he closed his earthly pilgrimage on the 15th of February 1808. 
He was a member of the Society of Friends. His private character 
was without reproach. 



WILLIAM ELLERT. 

Contracts fairly entered into by parties competent to make and 
consummate them should be sacredly fulfilled in the minutest particu- 
lars. Individuals and social compacts from the common business firm 
up to the most exalted national engagements are bound by the laws 
of God, man and honor to keep inviolate their plighted faith. A devi- 
ation from the path of rectitude in this particular is uniformly attended 
with evil consequences and often with those most disastrous. The 
party that violates its obligations without a justifiable reason and espe- 
cially if it attempts to advance its own interests regardless of, perhaps 
injurious to those of the other, comes to court with a bad cause. I 
have repeatedly remarked that the American Revolution resulted from 
a violation of colonial chartered rights by the mother country. To 
enter into a full exposition of the relations between the two high con- 
tracting parties would require more space than can be allowed in this 
work. Reference to some of the cardinal points in a single charter 
will give the reader a clue to them all. Some of a later date are 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 91 

rather more limited in privileges than that of Rhode Island to whicli 
I refer. 

This charter secured religious freedom, personal liberty, personal 
rights in property-excluding the king from all interference with the 
local concerns of the colony and was virtually republican in its provi- 
sions. One of the early Acts of Parliament referring to Rhode Island 
contains the following language. " That no person within the said 
colony at any time hereafter shall be in any way molested, punished, 
disquieted or called in question for any difference of opinion in matters 
of religion that does not actually disturb the civil peace of said colony." 
The loyalty of the inhabitants up to the time oppressions commenced 
was unquestionable. The ancient records give full evidence of the 
fact. The addresses to the king begin thus. " The general Assembly 
judgeth it their duty to signify his majesty's gracious pleasure vouch- 
safed to us." Extract of a letter written to Sir Henry Vane in Eng- 
land. " We have long drunk of the cup of as great liberties as any 
people we can hear of under the whole heavens. We have not only 
been long free, together with all English, from the yokes of wolfish 
bishops and their popish ceremonies against whose grievous oppres- 
sions God raised up your noble spirit in parliament but we have sitten 
down quiet and dry from the streams of'blood spilt by war in our na- 
tive country. We have not known what an excise means. We have 
almost forgotten what tythes are, yea or taxes either to church or 
common weal." 

In addition to other declaratory acts of Parliament sanctioning and 
continuing chartered privileges generally in all the colonies, one was 
passed in March 1663, involving the very hinge upon which the ques- 
tion of the Revolution turned. Extract-" Be it further enacted- ZZtaf 
no taxes shall he imposed or required of the colonies but by the consent of 
the General Jlssemblf -meaning the General Assembly of each colony 
separately and including the whole. This single sentence of that decla- 
ratory act, based upon a cardinal point in the British constitution and 
guarded by the sanctity of charter contracts that could not be annulled 
but by the mutual consent of the high contracting parties, solves the 
problem of the Revolution. Having lived in the full enjoyment of char- 
tered privileges which had become matured by the age of more than a 
century, the colonists would have been unworthy the name of men had 
they tamely submitted to their annihilation. To the unfading honor of 
their names— they did not submit. A band of sages and heroes rose m 
ail the majesty of man-met the invaders of their rights and drove them 
from Columbia's soil. 



92 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Among them was William Ellery, born at Newport Rhode Island on 
the 2d of December 1727. His ancestors were from Bristol, England. 
He was the son of William Ellery a graduate of Harvard College and 
an enterprising merchant. He filled many public stations and became 
one of the first men in the colony. Pleased with the docility of his 
son he became his instructor and prepared him for college. He entered 
Harvard and became a close and successful student. He was delighted 
with the classics and was enraptured with the history of the ancient 
republics. So great was his veneration for ancient authors that he con- 
tinued his familiarity with them to the moment of his death. He was 
one of the most lucid classic philologists of that age. He graduated at 
twenty and commenced the study of law. In that ever expanding field 
of labor he was all industry and was admitted to the bar with brilliant 
prospects before him. Located in one of the most delightful towns on 
the Atlantic, surrounded by a large circle of friends who desired his 
success, blessed with superior talents improved by a refined education, 
esteemed by all who knew him-his situation was truly agreeable. He 
possessed an amiable disposition, a strong mind, a large share of wit 
and humor, polished manners and a vivid animation in conversation 
that dispelled ennui from every circle in which he moved. With these 
accomplishments he spread his sails to the public breeze. 

He commenced a successful practice at the bar of Newport and 
realized the fond anticipations of his friends. He was highly honorable 
in his course and had the confidence of the citizens, the respect of his 
professional brethren and the esteem of the courts. To make more 
complete his standing and importance in community he entered into 
partnership with a most estimable lady until death should them part. 
The firm proved prosperous and happy. Up to the time British oppres- 
sion commenced, his days passed peacefully and quietly along with an 
accumulating fortune flowing in. When the revolutionary storm 
loomed up from the horizon he became roused. A new impetus was 
given to his mental and physical powers. His townsmen were the first 
who had dared to beard the British lion. On the 17th of June 1769, in 
consequence of the oppressive conduct of her captain, the revenue 
sloop Liberty belonging to his Britannic majesty was forcibly seized by 
a number of citizens in disguise who cut away her masts, scuttled her, 
carried her boats to the upper part of the town and committed them to 
the flames under the towering branches of a newly planted Liberty 
Tree. This act was followed by another on the 9th of June 1772 in 
which blood was shed-that of seizing and burning the British schooner 
Gaspee. This was made a pretext for more severe measures by the 



UJ? THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 93 

Hirelings of the crown who recommended to Parliament the disfran- 
chisement of the colony. The revolutionary ball was in motion at 
Newport. In ihe midst of these turmoils Mr. Ellery was with the 
people and for freedom. He went for the preservation of rights that 
had become sacred and venerable by age and had the high sanction of 
the laws of man, of nature and of God. In 1774 he approved a sug- 
gestion made in a letter from Gen. Greene-that the colonies should de- 
clare themselves independent. This spirit took fast hold on the people 
of Rhode Island at the very inception of the Revolution. 

In 1776 Mr. Ellery was elected to the Continental Congress. His 
constituents left him to act free as mountain air. He stood up to the 
post of duty boldly and became an active member. He was fully pre- 
pared to advocate and sanction the Declaration of Independence. An 
agreeable speaker, master of satire, sarcasm, logic and philosophy-he 
exercised a salutary and judicious influence. He was appointed on 
several important committees and rendered efficient service. Upon 
the marine committee he was the leading man. He was a strong 
advocate for the navy. Many of his constituents were bold mariners. 
He felt a just pride in referring to his fellow citizen-Commodore Ezek 
Hopkins, as the first commander of the little fleet of the infant repub- 
lic. It was he who took New Providence by surprise-seized a large 
amount of war munitions amongst which were one hundred pieces of 
cannon-took the royal Governor, Lieutenant Governer and sundry 
others of his majesty's officers prisoners and gave an earnest of the 
future glory to be achieved by Yankee seamen. 

When the time arrived for the final question upon the momentous 
instrument that was to be a warrant of death or the diploma of free- 
dom, Mr. Ellery was at his post and fearlessly gave it his approving 
vote and sanctioning signature. With his usual vivacity he took his 
stand by the side of the Secretary, Charles Thomson, for the purpose 
of observing the apparent emotions of each member as he came up and 
signed the important document. He often referred to this circumstance 
in after life and said an undaunted resolution was observed on every 
countenance. He was continued a member of Congress until 1785- 
full evidence of the high estimation in which he was held by his con- 
stituents. In 1777 he was upon the committee that originated the plan 
of fitting out seven fire ships to annoy the British fleet and had the 
credit of suggesting and perfecting it. 

When the enemy obtained possession of Newport their vengeance 
against this noble patriot was manifested by burning all his property 
within their reach. This did not move the equanimity of his mind 



94 THESAGESANDHEROES 

only to make him more zealous in the glorious cause of liberty. In 
1778 he strongly advocated a resolution making it death for any citizen- 
alias tory who should betray or aid in delivering into the hands of the 
enemy any of the adherents of the cause of freedom or give any intel- 
ligence that should lead to their capture. He spent nearly his whole 
time in Congress and toiled incessantly. In 1779 he was on the com- 
mittee of foreign relations which had the settlement of some very 
unpleasant difficulties between the United States and the foreign com- 
missioners. He was chairman of a committee to provide provisions 
for the inhabitants of Rhode Island who were destitute of the neces- 
saries of life. From year to year he was arduously employed on 
most of the standing and many other important committees. Marine 
difficulties occurred between the general government and some of the 
states arising from a difference of opinion relative to the powers con- 
ferred by the Articles of Confederation. A committee was appointed 
to define those powers of which Mr. Ellery was the leading member. 
This committee determined that all disputed claims were subject to 
appeal from the Court of Admiralty to Congress where the facts and 
law were to be fully settled. On all occasions and in all situations 
he was diligent and punctual. When he discovered any long faces or 
forlorn countenances in Congress the artillery of his wit and humor 
was sure to pour a broadside upon them and often dispelled the lower- 
ing clouds that hung gloomily over the minds of members. 

In 1782 he was an efficient member of the committee on public 
accounts the duties of which were large and perplexing. Speculation 
and peculation had rolled their dark waves over the public business of 
the nation-to do justice to all who presented claims was a problema- 
tical matter. In 1784 he was upon the committee to act upon the 
definitive treaty with Great Britain. He was upon the committee to 
define the power of the Treasury Board-the one upon Foreign Rela- 
tions and the one upon the War Office. To crown his brilliant labors 
in Congress with resplendent glory, he advocated the resolution of Mr. 
King to abolish slavery in the United States. His whole force was 
brought to bear upon this subject in a strain of forensic eloquence and 
powerful logic that added fresh lustre to the substantial fame he had 
long enjoyed. Then the subject was legitimate for Congress-noic it 
belongs to each state interested. 

In 1785 Mr. Ellery retired from political life and repaired to his now 
peaceful home to replenish his ruined fortune and enjoy the blessings 
of the Independence he had so much aided in consummating. In the 
spring of 1786 Congress made him commissioner of the National 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 95 

Loan Office for Rhode Island. Shortly after he was elected Chief 
.Justice of the Supreme Court of his native state. On his accession to 
the Presidential chair, Washington appointed him Collector of Cus- 
toms for Newport which station he ably filled until he took his tran- 
quil departure to a brighter world. The evening of his life was as 
calm and mellow as an Italian sunset. Universally esteemed-he 
enjoyed a delightful intercourse with a large circle of friends. Honest, 
punctual and correct-he had the confidence of the commercial com- 
munity in his official station. During the thirty years he was Collec- 
tor of Customs, a loss of only two hundred dollars upon bond accrued 
to government and upon that bond he had taken five sureties. He 
spent much of his time in reading classic authors and in corresponding 
with eminent men. But three weeks before his death he wrote an 
essay upon Latin prosody and the faults of public speakers. His 
bible was a favorite companion from which he drew and drank the 
living waters of eternal life. Always cheerful, instructive and amus- 
ing-his company was a rich treat to all who enjoyed it. His writings 
combined a sprightliness and solidity rarely found. 

His death was as remarkable as it was tranquil and glorious. It 
was that of a Christian and philosopher. On the morning of the 15th 
of February 1820 he rose in usual health and seated himself in the 
flag-bottom chair which he had used for fifty years and which was a 
relic rescued from the flames when the enemy fired his buildings. 
He commenced reading Tully's Officiis in his favorite Latin without the 
aid of glasses the print being no larger than that of a pocket bible. During 
the morning the family physician called in and seeing him very pale 
felt his wrist and found his pulse had ceased. He administered a little 
wine which gave a transient impetus to the purple current. The phy- 
sician spoke encouragingly to whom Mr. Ellery replied-" It is idle to 
talk to me in this way. I am going off" the stage of life and it is <* 
a great blessing that I go free from sickness, pain and sorrow." Be- 
coming extremely weak his daughter helped him on the bed where he 
sat upright and commenced reading Cicero de Officiis with the same 
composure as if in the full vigor of life. In a few moments his spirit 
left its tenement of clay without a motion, groan or sigh-his body still 
erect with the book under his chin as if asleep. William Ellery was 
dead-relations and friends wept-our nation mourned. 

Thus usefully lived and happily died one of the brightest specimens 
of human excellence. His whole career presents a rare and rich pic- 
ture upon which the imagination may feast with increasing delight 
and which cannot be rendered more beautiful or interesting by the 



96 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

finest touches of the pencil of fancy dipped in the most brilliant colore 
of romance. He was of the middle stature, well formed, with a large 
head, an intelligent and expressive countenance, moderate in his phy- 
sical movements and with all his vivacity generally had a grave aspect. 
He was temperate, plain and uniform in his habits and dress and could 
seldom be induced to join in chase after the ignis fatuus-T ashion. 
For many years before his death his wardrobe was of an order be- 
longing to a by -gone generation. His courtesy and hospitality were 
always conspicuous-the whole frame-work of his character was em- 
bellished with all the rich varieties of amiable and good qualities- 
uniting beauty with strength which ever gain esteem in life and tran- 
quillity in death. Reader contemplate this bright picture until its im- 
press is so deeply fixed upon your mind that nought but death can 
erase it. 



WILLIAM FLOYD. 

Lexicographers define ambition to be an earnest desire of power, 
honor, preferment, pride. Some who study party politics more than 
philosophy, physiology or ethics, call all the laudable desires of the 
heart AMBixioN-aiming to strip the monster of its deformity that they 
may sail under false colors and play the pirate whenever an opportu- 
nity ofters. The power that is gained by ambition is held by a slen 
der tenure-often a mere rope of sand. Its hero may receive the hom 
age of the multitude one day and be the victim of their fury the next. 
The summit of vain ambition is often the depth of misery. Based on 
a volcanic foundation it is in constant danger of an eruption. Inflated 
by a gaseous thirst for power, like a balloon with hydrogen, it is liable 
to an explosion from the very material that elevated it. Predicated 
on self-it spurns philanthropy, banishes charity, tramples on justice, 
despises patriotism, deals largely in the corrosive sublimate of false- 
hood, the elixir vitriol of revenge-the assafoetida of duplicity. Like a 
kite, it cannot rise in a calm and when up, is subject to fly from its 
fastenings and be rent by the cross currents ever in motion. The ful 
crum of ignorance and the lever of party spirit form its magic power. 

Some European writers have charged the patriots of the American 
Revolution with selfish ambition. They may be excused for this sup 
position from the fact that this is the motive power of their actions and 
they can understand no other. Very different was the fact. Private 
virtue, broad charity, genuine philanthropy, undisguised patriotism 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 97 

were marked characteristics of those who achieved our Liberty. They 
were actuated by pure and honest motives-not by wild ambition and 
pohtical frenzy. Noisy partisans and intriguing demagogues were not 
the favorites of the people at that trying period. The man of genuine 
worth and modest merit was the one they delighted to honor and 
trust. 

In the character of William Floyd these qualities were happily 
blended. He was born at Suffolk county, Long Island, State of New 
York on the 17th of December 1734. He was the son of Mr. NicoU 
Floyd and the grandson of Richard Floyd who came from Wales in 
1680 and settled at Setauket, Long Island. During his childhood 
William was remarkable for frankness, truth, docility and pleasing 
manners. He was an industrious student and acquired a liberal edu- 
cation. During the prosecution of his studies he devoted a short pe- 
riod almost daily to his gun in pursuit of game which gave him health- 
ful exercise and a strong frame. His father died before William arrived 
at his majority leaving him an ample fortune. This he managed with 
prudence and economy. From his youth he had been the advocate 
of Hberal principles. At manhood he became a prominent opposer to 
the innovations of the British ministers upon the chartered rights of 
Americans. As oppression increased his patriotic feelings were more 
frequently and freely expressed. He was an active and zealous mem- 
ber of the Congress of 1774. He had the unlimited confidence of his 
constituents-the esteem of all who knew him. His cool deliberation 
and calm deportment were well calculated to preserve an equilibrium 
among those of a more fiery temperament and rashness in action. 
That Congress was remarkable for clear and unanswerable argument, 
calm and astute discussion, wise and judicious plans-reasonable but 
firm purposes. The course pursued operated powerfully and favorably 
upon the minds of reflecting men whose influence it was important to 
secure. 

Mr. Floyd had command of the militia of the county in which he 
lived. When the British attempted to land at Gardner's Bay he 
promptly assembled the yeoman troops and repelled the invading foe. 
In 1775 he was again at his post in Congress and became one of its 
very eflicient members. He was a working man and almost con- 
stantly engaged on important committees. During his absence the 
enemy obtained possession of Long Island and compelled his family 
to flee to Connecticut for safety. His property was materially injured- 
his house converted into a military barrack and for seven years he 
was deprived of all resources from his farm. In 1776 he was a warm 
13 



98 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

advocate of the Declaration and with great satisfaction placed his name 
upon that sacred instrument. In 1777 he was elected to the first Sen- 
ate of the Empire State convened under the new order of things. He 
was a leading member and rendered important services in forming a 
code of republican laws. 

In January 1779 he again took his seat in Congress and entered 
vigorously upon the work before him. In August of that year he 
resumed his seat in the New York Senate. Much important business 
was before the legislature, requiring experience, energy and unity of 
action. To raise the pecuniary credit of the state was of great import- 
ance. Mr. Floyd was at the head of a joint committee on this subject 
and reported a plan that proved him an able financier-a man of deep 
thought and investigation. It was based upon gradual, equal and just 
taxation. In October of that year he was one of three delegates ap- 
pointed by his legislature to meet a convention of the Eastern States 
for the purpose of perfecting a system of furnishing supplies for the 
army without being compelled to suffer the enormous shaves of avari- 
cious monopolists. On reading the account of the awful sufferings and 
privations of the army at certain periods of the Revolution and in view 
of the glory of the cause and the limited means of carrying on the un- 
equal struggle, an honest man can scarcely believe men then existed 
who would speculate-yes movG-peculate upon suffering humanity. So 
was the fact to an alarming extent-at least three millions a year. 
Avarice knows no mercy-seldom any honesty. 

On his return from this convention he repaired to Congress. On the 
3d of December he was elected one of the Board of Admiralty and on 
the 13th a member of the Treasury Board. By incessant application 
his health became impaired and in the ensuing April he obtained leave 
of absence. In June he took his seat in the New York Senate and 
was appointed upon a joint committee to act upon resolutions of Con- 
gress involving the important relations between the state and general 
government. He unsuccessfully opposed making bills of credit a legal 
tender but lived to see the law repealed. In September he was one 
of a committee of the senate to prepare a reply to the governor's 
message. To effect a proper organization of the general government 
was a desideratum with all the states. To this important subject the 
governor had specially referred. To confer upon Congress all neces- 
sary power clearly defined, was considered the only safe policy to insure 
future harmony and safety. This committee reported several resolu- 
tions upon this subject which were adopted and forwarded to Congress 
for consideration. They recommended the enactment of laws that 



I 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 99 

should impose an equal responsibility on each of the states to bear 
its pi^o rata proportion of the war expenses in the way and manner 
prescribed by the general government. 

In 1780 he again took his seat in Congress. An important and 
delicate duty devolved upon the New York and New Hampshire 
members under legislative acts-the subject of disputed territory com 
prising the present state of Vermont. The question was submitted to 
Congress, the members of each state advocating the claim for their 
constituents. In this matter Mr. Floyd rendered great service. During 
the same session he introduced a resolution for the cession of the 
western territories to the United States. On the 10th of August he 
nominated Robert L. Livingston to be Secretary of Foreign Affairs 
whose nomination was immediately confirmed. He was continued a 
member of Congress up to 1783 when he joined in the general soul- 
cheering peace and the freedom of his beloved country. He then 
retired and took possession of his once flourishing plantation amidst 
the sincere congratulations of his numerous friends, all animated by 
the resplendent glories of Liberty. That he might repair the ruir 
of his home he declined the urgent solicitations of his friends to return 
to Congress. He continued to serve in the senate of his native state 
up to 1788 when he was elected to the first Congress imder the Fede- 
ral Constitution. Worn out in the service of his country he retired 
from the public arena at the end of the term. 

Owning a large tract of valuable wild land upon the banks of the 
Mohawk river he commenced gradual improvements upon it and ir 
1803 removed there. He was often urged to return to Congress but 
declined all legislative labors. With the exception of serving one 
year in the state senate and in the convention for the revision of the 
New York Constitution in 1801, he kept aloof from the turmoils of 
political life. He was four times a member of the Electoral College 
of his state for the election of President and Vice President. So ardent 
were his feelings in his old age that he travelled two hundred miles in 
the dreary month of December 1806 to give his vote for his old com- 
panion and friend-Thomas Jefferson. 

He continued to improve his new home until he became surrounded 
by happy neighbors all basking in the clear sunshine of that freedom 
he had largely aided in acquiring. In all things he was systematic 
and practical-free from pomp and vanity-strong in his purposes and 
persevering in their accomplishment. He was blessed with a clear 
head, vigorous mind, good heart, sound judgment, great experience 
and a close knowledge of men and things. As a politician he was 



100 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

free from selfish ambition and went for his coimtry-his whoiC couniry 
and the UNION for ever. He spoke but seldom in public assemblies 
and rarely entered into debate. Brighter would be the prospects of 
our UNION if we now had more men like William Floyd who would 
talk less and work more. Long and often electioneering speeches 
hang over our legislatures like an incubus and prevent the few who 
are well-disposed from doing the business of the people promptly. 

General Floyd was of middle size, well-formed and commanding in 
his appearance. He was dignified in his deportment-affable in his 
manners. His physical powers were remarka^ble when in his prime. 
In all the relations of private life he was a model as worthy of imita- 
tion as that of his public career. He was warm in his friendship and 
rigidly honest. His morals were pure, his religion practical, his charity 
broad-his philanthropy co-extensive with the human family. For the 
last two years of his life his health was not good and on the 20th of 
August 1821 he was seized with general debility and on the 25th of 
that month, folded his arms quietly, closed his eyes peacefully and met 
the cold embrace of death with the fortitude of a sage, patriot and 
Christian. 

Although Gen. Floyd did not possess the Ciceronean eloquence of a 
Lee or the Demosthenean powers of Adams and Henry, he was one of 
the most useful men of his day and generation. He marked out his 
path of duty from the reflections of his own mind and pursued it 
strictly and fearlessly. For more than fifty years he enjoyed the con- 
fidence of his fellow-citizens as a public man and but one year before 
his decease was made a member of the Electoral College. His exam- 
ple and his labors shed a lustre over his character as rich and enduring 
as those who were conspicuous in the forum. He was an important 
link in the golden chain of Liberty. He was a working man-work- 
ing men were then properly appreciated. The congressional speakers 
of that day were also more highly appreciated than nine-tenths of 
them are now for the very good reason that they were laconic on all 
subjects. Long speeches were as uncommon as they are now frequent 
• and useless. If we desire the prosperity of our country and the per- 
petuity of our UNION let us imitate the examples of the patriots 
whose actions we delight to rehearse and preserve in its prist me purity 
the rich boon of liberty they have transmitted to us. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 101 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 

A man who is self-made and by his own exertions and untiring indus- 
try becomes a great man, often excels the mere student of the college in 
mental vigor as much as the hard fisted mechanic excels him physically. 

The former, usually without tlie means and often without the advan- 
tages of paternal or maternal care, is compelled to become familiar with 
men and things, without a knowledge of which, the classics are a mere 
toy and the high branches of science only an ornament. With the nev^r 
ending every day concerns of life where usefulness holds her dominion 
they have little to do. A man of letters who is unacquainted with the 
routine of business transactions is incapable of protecting his own 
interests-of course he cannot be useful to community until he goes through 
another and more important course of study. A great change is neces- 
sary in most of our colleges to make full men of students. Hence the 
blasted hopes of many a fond father who is led astray by the popular 
error-that colleges mould all their students into men. A large majority 
of the most useful citizens of our country, from its first settlement to the 
present time, never enjoyed a collegiate education. Especially was this 
the case with many of the sages and heroes of the Revolution whose 
memory we delight to honor and perpetuate. 

Such was the case of Benjamiin Franklin, born at Boston on 17th of 
January 1706-exactly ninety years before the writer. His father was 
among the Puritans who fled from persecution and sought repose in the 
wilds of Massachusetts. His parents were poor but honest and respecta- 
ble. This may seem paradoxical to the aristocracy of the present day- 
but is unquestionably true. The time was when poverty was not a cri7n,e 
nor wealth a mask for corruption. Honesty and industry were formerly 
the brightest stars on the escutcheon of fame. 

At an early age Benjamin Franklin exhibited a mind of superior cast 
and a strong desire for improvement. His pious parents advanced his 
education as far as their limited means would enable them being anxious 
to see this son prepared for the pulpit. At the age of ten years his father 
was compelled to take him from school to aid him in the chandler busi- 
ness. This did not arrest the onward course of his genius. Original in 
every trait of his character, eccentric in his manner, the child of bold 
experiment, he commenced the study of natural philosophy in the midst 
of candle wicks, tallow and soap. He first ascertained the precise 
quantity of sleep and food requisite to sustain nature and the kind of 



io^ 



THE SAGES AND HEROES 



aliment most conducive to health. At that early age he adopted a sys- 
tem of temperance, frugality and economy, worthy the imitation of men. 
He accustomed himself to meet every disappointment without a murmur. 
He continued to improve his mind by reading during every hour he was 
not at labor. Nothing passed by him unnoticed. His expanding intel- 
lect drew philosophy from nature, things and men. He reasoned, 
analyzed, moralized and improved from everything he saw. Hence the 
vast and rapid expansion of his towering genius that ultimately com- 
manded the awe of kings and the admiration of -the world-comprehending 
the philosophy of mind, nature, science, art, government-all the relations 
of creation from the dust under his feet-the myriads of animalculse in a 
drop of water, up to the bright seraphs in the skies and up to Nature's 
God. 

A mind like his would not long be confined in a chandler shop. Open 
and honest at all times and under all circumstances, he apprised his 
father of his wish to change his occupation. He was bound to his 
brother to learn the art of printing. His industry enabled him to master 
his profession rapidly. All his leisure moments were employed in study, 
thus preparing himself for a useful and glorious career through future 
life-leaving a bright example worthy the imitation of every apprentice 
in our country. 

So intently bent on the acquisition of knowledge-he often preferred 
his book to his meal and studied whole nights-defying the commands of 
Morpheus. He was paid a weekly sum for his board and adopting a 
simple vegetable diet was enabled to save money for the purchase of 
books. He selected them with reference to substantial usefulness. He 
studied with enthusiasm the Memorabilia of Xenophon and found a 
model in Socrates which he delighted in imitating. 

About this time he was seized with the scribbling mania. Committing 
the usual error of youthful authors-he offered his first sacrifice to Cal- 
liope the goddess of heroic poetry. The production was applauded but 
his father ti-ned his rhyming propensity into ridicule and encouraged 
him to write prose. Fearing the shafts of criticism, he had several 
articles published in the paper edited by his brother, in so clandestine a 
manner that the author was not suspected. Finding that they were 
admired, he says his vanity did not long keep the world ignorant of the 
writer. 

Flattery from others caused him to assume an air of importance that 
soon resuhed in an open rupture between him and his brother. For 
some time he endured a course of harsh treatment and at length resolved 
to free himself from the chains of bondage. He embraced the first 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 103 

opportunity for New York. Not being able to obtain business there he 
proceeded to Philadelphia on foot and alone. On his arrival he had but 
one dollar-was a stranger only seventeen years of age and knew not 
where to go. On entering Market street his eccentric appearance 
excited the gaze of the multitude as much as his gigantic talents subse- 
quently did the gaze of the world. He had a roll of bread under each 
arm and proceeded to the margin of the Delaware river and partook of 
his bread and pure water. His pockets were enormously enlarged with 
the various articles of his wardrobe rendering him a fair representation 
of old Boniface. 

There were then but two printing offices in Philadelphia. In one of 
these he obtained the situation of compositor. He now reduced his 
theories of economy to successful practice maintaining himself at a 
trifling expense-pursuing a correct and industrious career which gained 
for him the esteem of all his acquaintances. Among others, his talents 
attracted the attention of Sir William Keith, then Governor of the pro- 
vince, who invited him to his house and treated him with great kind- 
ness. The Governor was a man whose liberality in promises went 
beyond the dust in his purse. Anxious to see his young friend placed 
in more prosperous circumstances by his benefaction he proposed to set 
him up in business. He at once gave him letters to London. On his 
arrival there, Franklin found that no pecuniary arrangements had been 
made for him by his tongite benefactor. He was in a strange land, 
without money to pay his return passage. He took a new lesson in the 
school of experience in which he delighted to study. Disappointment 
did not deject him. He soon obtained employment and gained the con- 
fidence and esteem of his new acquaintances. At the end of eighteen 
months he embarked for Philadelphia. On his passage he digested a 
set of rules for future action substantially as follows. I resolve to be 
frugal— to speak truth at all times-never to raise expectations not to be 
realized-to be sincere, industrious, stable-to speak ill of no man-to 
cover rather than expose the faults of others and to do all the good I 
can to my fellow men. 

Upon this foundation, formed of the unadulterated materials oi primi- 
tive Christianity, he raised a superstructure, more beautiful and as 
enduring as the proudest memorials of Greece and Rome. When the 
whole human family shall adopt and fully exemplify these rules, we 
may hope to see millennial glory eclipse the meridian sun and cover 
the earth with one broad sheet of celestial light. i 

He arrived at Philadelphia on the llth of October 1726 and became 
the clerk of the merchant who owned the goods brought over by the 



104 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

ship in which he took his passage. His proverbial industry made him 
as successful in the counting house as at the press-showing a rare ver- 
satility of talent. His future prospects in this new sphere of action 
brightened as time rolled on but were suddenly blasted by the death 
of his employer. He then returned to the types— worked a few months 
for his old patron where he found a partner with more money than 
skill and with him commenced a lucrative business. His industry and 
artistic talents were now put in full requisition. He manned his wheel- 
barrow in collecting material for business-put nature on short allow- 
ance and by punctuality and perseverance gained many valuable 
friends and money enough to purchase the interest of his partner who 
had become worthless and embarrassing to the firm. 

Up to this time Franklin had been fortune's foot-balk His life had 
been a complete checker board of changing vicissitudes, blasted hopes 
and keen disappointments. Amidst all the stormy trials that had tossed 
his youthful bark on the surges of misfortune-surrounded by the foam- 
ing breakers of vice in all its delusive and borrowed forms-he never 
became tarnished by corruption or the commission of a bad or mean 
action. The moral and religious principles deeply planted in his mind 
during childhood by parental instruction-were as lasting as life-a 
happy illustration of the' faithfulness of parents towards their children. 
Fathers and mothers think of this and govern yourselves accordingly. 

Having become liberated from his business partner, he felt the neces- 
sity and propriety of choosing one that would fill up the vacuum in his 
side and share with him the joys and sorrows flesh is hdir to. In 1730, 
he entered into partnership for life with a widow lady whose maiden 
name was Read, for whom he had contracted an attachment previous 
to her first marriage. In him she found a kind husband-in her he found 
an agreeable and discreet companion. 

Philanthropy predominated in the heart of Franklin. To better the 
condition of his fellow men gave him exquisite pleasure. The rules 
governing the "Junto" formed by him and now merged in the " Philo- 
sophical Society," exhibit a superior knowledge of human nature-illus- 
trating clearly the duty of man to the creature and Creator. They 
breathe universal charity, kindness, benevolence and good will to all 
mankind. Among them is onS for the suppression of intemperance-a 
prophetic prelude to the exertions of the present day in this noble 
cause. He had profited by the experience of the past which enabled 
him to steer clear of the rocks and quicksands of error on which many 
are ruined and lost. His bark had outrode many a storm-prosperity 
was his future lot. His new partner smiled upon him, his friends 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 105 

esteemed him, a life of usefulness was before him-in the pleasures of tlie 
present, past pains were lost. 

In 1732 he commenced the publication of the "Poor Richard's Al- 
manac" which he continued up to 1737, circulating 10,000 copies an- 
nually. Although under a humble title it was a work of great merit 
and usefulness-being replete with maxims and rules calculated for 
everyday use in the various relations of life-rules and maxims of the 
highest importance to be known and practised but not learned in high 
seminaries. So highly was it prized in Europe that it was translated 
into several languages. He also commenced the publication of a news- 
paper which was conducted with great ability-free from all personal 
abuse and scurrility-a messenger of truth and wholesome instruction. 
Would to God the same could be said of all the present public prints. 

Franklin continued to pursue his studies-mastering the French, 
Italian, Spanish and Latin languages. By the " Junto" a small library 
was commenced which was the nucleus to the present large collection 
in the city of Philadelphia. He wrote and published a highly interest- 
ing pamphlet on the necessity of paper currency. He added to his 
literary fame by the production of essays on various subjects written 
in his peculiar style. He filled successfully the office of state printer, 
of clerk to the Assembly and of post-master in Philadelphia. He used 
unwearied exertions to perfect the municipal regulations of the city. 
He was the father and patron of the Philosophical Society, the Penn- 
sylvania University and Hospital. All the enterprises in the city and 
province, of that time, were either originated by him or were advanced 
by his wisdom and counsel. 

In 1741 he commenced the publication of a General Magazine filled 
with much useful matter but less acceptable than his former produc- 
tions to many-probing, as it did, litigated points in theology. It was 
too universal in its charity to suit sectarians. Let these barriers be 
removed-then the gospel will have free course-run and be glorified. 

The mechanic arts were also improved by him. He brought to 
their aid philosophy, chemistry and a combination of science, economy 
and the laws of nature. He improved chimneys-constructed a stove 
and proposed many useful and economical corrections in domestic con- 
cerns from the cellar to the garret-from the plough to the mill. Sci- 
ence bowed to his master spirit, the arts hailed him as a patron, the 
lightning obeyed his magic rod and nature was proud- of her favorite 
son. 

In 1744 he was elected to the Assembly and continued a member 
for ten consecutive years. Although not a popular speaker, his clear 
14 



106 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

conceptions of correct legislation and the duties of a statesman gave lo 
him an inflaence over that body before unknown. In all his proposi- 
tions he was listened to with profomid attention. 

During the period he was serving his province in the Assembly he 
explored the fields of experimental philosophy-explaining many of iLe 
mysterious phenomena of nature which spread his scientific fame to 
the remotest bounds of the civilized world. His discoveries in elec- 
tricity were sufficient to have immortalized his name. He is the first 
man on record who imparted magnetism to steel-melted metals-killed 
animals and fired gunpowder by rneans of electricity. He was the 
first who reduced to practice the method of conducting the electric 
fluid from the clouds to the points of steel rods and by them harmless 
to the ground. All the elements-fluids, air, sea and land with their 
millions of various substances, passed in review before him. 

In 1753 he was sent to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to conclude a treaty 
with the Indians. In 1754 he was a delegate to the Congress of Com- 
missioners which met at Albany to devise means of defence against 
the anticipated hostilities of the French and savages. He then sub- 
mitted a plan that was unanimously approved by the Congress but was 
too republican for the creatures of the king. 

On the decease of the Deputy Postmaster-General of America, 
Franklin was appointed to fill the vacancy and raised the department 
from embarrassment to a fruitful source of revenue to the crown. 

Difiiculties arose between the proprietaries and government of the 
province of Pennsylvania, which were referred to the mother country 
for adjustment. Dr. Franklin was sent by the province to guard its 
interests and embarked for England in June 1757. He executed the 
duties of his mission with his usual ability and address-the difficulties 
were settled and in 1762 he returned. He was then variously em- 
ployed-regulating the Post-Office Department-making treaties with 
the Indians and devising means of defence on the frontiers. 

New troubles arose between the proprietaries and assembly and in 
1764 Dr. Franklin again sailed for England, with instructions to ob- 
tain the entire abolishment of proprietary authority. On his arrival 
he was called upon to perform more important and perilous duties. 
The plan for taxing the colonies had been long agitated and was now 
matured by the British ministry. This project he had boldly opposed 
at the threshold and was now arraigned to answer numerous accusa- 
tions brought against him by the enemies of liberty. 

On the 3d of February 1766, he appeared before the House of Com- 
mons to undergo a public examination. He was found equal to the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 107 

task-his enemies were astounded at liis boldness, logic, dignity and 
skill, whilst his friends were filled with admiration at the able manner 
he confuted every accusation and defended the rights and interests of 
nis native country. Amidst the attacks of artifice and insolence of 
power he stood unawed-unmoved-firui as a granite rock. He re- 
mained in England eleven years as the agent of the colonies, opposing 
the encroachments of the ministry upon the rights of Americans. 
During the whole time the combined efforts of flattery, malice and 
intrigue could not intimidate or ensnare him. He well understood the 
etiquette, corruptions and devices of diplomacy. He never bowed his 
knee to Baal or kissed the hand of a king. 

The relations between the two countries had now arrived at a point 
so significant that Franklin returned to his long neglected home. His 
person was not safe in England— his services were needed in his now 
suffering country. He arrived in Philadelphia early in May 1775. He 
was received with great enthusiam and immediately elected to the Con- 
tinental Congress. To this august body he added fresh lustre and dignity. 
In England he had exhausted every source of prospective reconciliation 
between the two nations. He feared the colonies were too weak to 
achieve their Independence but his course was right onward with his col- 
leagues-resolved on LIBERTY OR DEATH. 

The talents of Franklin were put in constant requisition. He was 
always selected to meet the agents of the crown who were at various 
times commissioned to offer terms of inglorious peace. He always 
proved himself the uncompromising advocate of Liberty-the shrewd and 
wary politician-the bold and zealous defender of the rights of his bleeding 
eountry-the unflinching friend of universal freedom. 

The disasters of the American army during the campaign of 1777, 
induced Congress to apply to France for aid. All eyes were turned on 
Franklin to execute this important mission. In October 1777 he embarked 
to perform this delicate embassy and succeeded in concluding a treaty 
of alliance with that nation on the 4th of February 1778, to the great 
joy of himself and his suffering countrymen. When the news of the 
alliance reached England, the ministry was much alarmed and despatched 
messengers to Paris to endeavor to induce Franklin to enter into a com- 
promise with Great Britain. The terms rendered the effort too abortive 
to make him the bearer of even a message to Congress. To Mr. Hutlon 
and others who came to him with the olive branch of peace, wreathed with 
scorpions, he replied-" I never think of your ministry and their abettors, 
but with the image strongly painted in my view of their hands red and drop- 
{ung with the blood of my countrymen, friends and relations. No peace 



108 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

can be signed with those hands unless you drop all pretensions to govern 
us — meet us on equal terms and avoid all occasions of future discord." 

He met all their intrigues at the threshold and convinced them that the 
hardy yoemanry of America could not be dragooned, flattered or driven 
from the bold position they had assumed. During the several interviews 
he had with these commissioners, Franklin was cautioned by Mr. 
Heartley to beware of his personal safety which had been repeatedly 
threatened. He thanked his friend and assured him he felt no alarm- 
that he had nearly finished a long life and that the short remainder was 
of no great value and ironically remarked-" Perhaps the best use such 
an old fellow can be put to is to make a martyr of him." 

If it required all the skill and energy of a Franklin to ncgutiale a 
treaty of alliance with France, it required the combined skill of all Con- 
gress to preserve it. The French is the most effervescent nation known 
to history. A republican form of government is ever repugnant to kingly 
power. That the French officers and soldiers in the American army 
would drink freely at the fountain of liberal principles no one could 
doubt. That the thrones of Europe would be endangered on their return 
was truly predicted. By this very natural course of reasoning the British 
ministry exerted a powerful influence against the continuation of the 
alliance. Franklin and his colleagues anticipated all their dark intrigues- 
penetrated and frustrated them up to the time Great Britain was com- 
pelled to comply with the terms of an honorable peace and acknowledge 
the Independence of the United States of America by a definitive treaty 
of peace concluded at Paris on the 3d of September 1783. 

Ahhough anxious to be discharged from further public service it was 
not until 1785 that Franklin was permitted to return to his beloved 
country where he could breathe the pure air of republican FREEDoM-no 
longer polluted by kingly power. During his stay he concluded treaties 
of commerce between the United States and the Kings of Sweden and 
Prussia. On his departure from Europe every mark of respect was 
paid to him by Kings, courts, literati and by all classes of society whose 
adulation the loftiest ambition could desire. He was beloved by the 
millions-his departure was deeply regretted by all. His reputation was 
the personification of purity. 

At the age of eighty years, borne down by disease, he returned to Phila- 
delphia. He was hailed with enthusiastic joy, affection, esteem and venera- 
tion by all the friends of liberty-from the humblest citizen up to the illus- 
trious Washington. He had been a pillar of fire to the American cause- 
a pillar of smoke to the enemies of human rights. As Thurgot truly 
observed-" He snatched the thunder bolt from Jove and the sceptre from 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 109 

Kings." He stood-the Collossus of Liberty among the monarchs of 
Europe and wrung from them the homage due to a nation that dared to 

be FREE. 

Notwithstanding his advanced age and his ardent desire for retire- 
ment, he was placed in the gubernatorial chair of Pennsylvania and in 
1787 elected a delegate to the Convention that formed the Federal 
Constitution. Many of the bright traits of that important instrument 
received their finishing touch from his master hand. He was anxious 
to see his long nursed theory of a republican government reduced to as 
perfect system as its infancy would permit. He well knew, that for its 
manhood and old age additional provisions would be required. As 
necessary as this now is, so sacred has that instrument become that the 
mass would deem it sacrilege to disturb its long repose. It might be 
made to meet more fully the wants of an expanding country in some 
particulars but if once disturbed might be polluted by the apoplectic 
touch of party spirit and never recover from the shock. Caution is the 
parent of safety. 

Early in 1790, Dr. Franklin was confined to his room by his infirmi- 
ties but his mental powers remained in full vigor. Some of the 
strongest and most soul-stirring productions from his pen were written 
during his confinement. Early in April he began to fail more rapidly. 
He was fully sensible that he stood on the confines of eternity and that 
he should soon go to his final rest. On the 17th of April 1790, calm 
and resigned-cool and collected-peaceful and happy-he commended 
his spirit to Him who gave it-quitted this vale of tears with a full 
assurance of rising to a glorious immortality at the final resurrection 
and slumbered quietly and sweetly in the arms of death with a full 
assurance that his Lord and Master would rebind him in a new and 
more beautiful edition fully revised. 

By his will he prohibited all pomp and parade at his funeral. He 
•was anxious that the mournful obsequies of his burial should be marked 
with republican simplicity. He was laid in his grave on the 21st of 
April. It is in the northwest corner of Christ Church yard in the City 
of Philadelphia, where a plain marble slab-once even but now below 
the surface of the earth, shows where his ashes repose. By the side of 
his moulders the dust of his amiable wife. 

His death was deeply lamented throughout the civilized world. Con- 
gress ordered mourning to be observed throughout the United States 
for thirty days. The event was solemnized in France and many elo- 
quent eulogies pronounced. The national Assembly decreed that each 
of its members should wear a badge of mourning for three days. The 



no THE SAGES AND HEROES 

sensation produced there by his death was similar to that evinced by 
our country on the death of La Fayette. 

In the recapitulation of the life of this great and good man we are 
charmed with a versatile richness that has no parallel on the historic 
page. He filled every sphere in which he moved to the remotest lines 
of its orbit. No matter how bright the galaxy around him he was a 
luminary of the first magnitude. He entered upon the stage of action 
at a time when the world needed just such a man and continued upon 
it just long enough to complete all he had commenced. He was found 
equal to every work he undertook and always stopped at the golden 
point-when he had finished. He was emphatically the architect of his 
own fortune. No chartered college can claim him as a graduate-no 
patron rendered him gratuitous aid. Let the young men of our country 
imitate his examples that they may become useful-let our public men 
who have in charge our national destiny imitate them that they may 
be wise— let old men imitate them that they may be revered-let us all 
imitate them that we may do all the good we can to our fellow men in 
life and be happy in death. 



HORATIO GATES. 

War is a calamity to be deprecated at all times. Its history, from 
its sanguinary embryo to the present time, has but a few bright 
spots on which the philanthropist can gaze with admiring delight. 
The back-ground of most of these is so vividly shaded with crim- 
son that the eye grows dim and the heart sickens on too close a 
scrutiny. We have many among us who preach loudly against war 
without delineating the innate materials in human nature that cause it. 
We have anti-war societies that have originated from motives pure as 
heaven but are planted on the abstract foundation of ills-futile as the 
baseless vision. Its evils may be portrayed in colors clear as the sun- 
beams of living light and enforced by all the arguments of human 
logic and Holy Writ without removing the smallest particle from the 
cause that produces this fearful calamity. This and the best remedy 
are not fully defined by the preamble, constitution or by-laws of any 
society within my knowledge and where partially explained are not 
always practically carried out by the members. They sometimes en- 
gage in a fierce personal war. 

The cause exists in the nature of man influenced by the baser pas- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Ill 

sions. Retaliation is among the first developments of the child. 
Self is a relentless tyrant. Revenge is as natural as our respiration. 
Anger, envy, jealousy, malice-all combine to perpetuate a disposition 
for war and lead men from the sublime destiny of immortal bliss. 

The only remedy exists in the universal sway of that love inculcated 
by our immaculate Redeemer. It is under the melting influences of 
^he religion of the Cross, stripped of all dogmatical illusions, that sul- 
lied human nature must be brightened-its tarnished lustre renovated- 
its pugnacious character changed and man prepared for peace and 
heaven. Let broad and universal charity pervade the whole human 
family-then a blow will be struck against war that will resound 
through the wilderness of mind and cause it to bud and blossom as 
the rose. 

The war of the American Revolution stands pre-eminent in point 
of justification. Among those who took a conspicuous part in its 
perils was Horatio Gates who was born in England in 1728. In early 
life he rose to the rank of major and was the aid of the British com- 
mander at the capture of Martinico in 1747. In 1748 he was sta- 
tioned at Halifax where he continued for a considerable time. He 
was relieved from the monotony of a garrison in time of peace by the 
French war which resulted in the conquest of Canada. Under Brad- 
dock he was captain of infantry and fought by the side of the illus- 
trious Washington and was saved by him in the judicious retreat of 
the survivors of that memorable day. He was severely wounded 
and for a long time unfit for duty. In 1763 he visited England with 
a high military reputation. He returned and located on a plantation in 
Virginia. He had the esteem and confidence of Washington and was 
warmly recommended by him to Congress as worthy of a conspicuous 
station in the Continental army. He was appointed Adjutant General 
with the rank of Brigadier in 1775. The ensuing year he was invested 
with the command of the troops destined to act against Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point. In the spring of 1777 he and Gen. Schuyler were 
appointed to the command of the northern army. For a short time 
he was superceded by Gen. Schuyler. Burgoyne was then advancing 
with his victorious army. The Americans were driven from Ticon- 
deroga, Fort Ann and Skeensborough. From that point obstacles were 
thrown in his way by Sinclair, Schuyler, Stark and their companions 
in arms. Bridges were demolished, the navigation of Wood Creek 
obstructed-the roads filled with fallen trees-the cattle and other sup- 
plies removed which caused the British army a delay of twenty-five 
days before reaching Fort Edward on the Hudson. Gen. Burgoyne 



112 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

then supposed his embarrassments at an end. His reckoning was 
wrong. St. Leger failed in capturing Fort Schuyler-many of the 
Indians and Canadian militia took their back track-scanty suppHes 
were obtained with great difficulty-his army was decreasing-the 
Americans were rallying-every day made his condition more perilous- 
his prospects more gloomy. Everything was prepared to insure his 
capture. 

At this fortunate juncture for him, Gen. Gates superceded the inde- 
fatigable Schuyler and took the command on the 2lst of August 1777. 
Anticipating aid from Sir Henry Clinton at New York, Burgoyne 
passed the Hudson and encamped at Saratoga. Gates advanced to 
Stillwater determined to oppose the further progress of the enemy. 
The British general resolved to open a passage with the sword and 
bayonet and on the 17th of September the armies were only four miles 
distant from each other. On the 19th a pretty general engagement 
occurred, which resulted in a drawn battle. Seeing no prospect of 
assistance from New York and the impossibility of then retreating 
with his cannon, Burgoyne resolved to fortify his position and act on 
the defensive. On the 8th of October the Americans made a vigorous 
attack and repulsed the British in every charge, occupying a part of 
their lines. Burgoyne hastened to his former camp at Saratoga in the 
night and meditated a retreat without artillery or baggage. He found 
every avenue securely guarded-the lion was caged-retreat he coulu 
not. Knowing that the British army had but a short supply of pro- 
visions. Gen, Gates well knew an attack upon his well fortified posi- 
tion or a surrender must speedily take place. He was well prepared 
for either. Finding it only a waste of human life to further engage 
the Americans in battle, Burgoyne surrendered on the 16th of October. 
Over 5000 prisoners, a park of fine artillery, 7000 muskets, a large 
amount of clothing, with all the camp equipage and military stores 
and the evacuation of all the frontier fortresses-constituted the spoils 
of this victory. What was of more vital importance-it imparted 
fresh lustre to the American arms and gave a vigorous impetus to the 
languishing career of Independence. It destroyed British power in 
the north-encouraged France to close the treaty of alliance and greatly 
deranged the equanimity of mother Britain. If impartially analyzed, 
it will be found the most important victory during the war of Inde- 
pendence and in closer alliance with that of Trenton than the final 
triumph over Cornwallis. 

Although Gen. Gates had escaped the hard service of that campaign, 
he was the fortunate commander at its termination and was crowned with 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 113 

the laurels of a conquering hero in accordance with military usage and re- 
ceived the plaudits of his grateful countrymen-the thanks of Congress and 
a gold medal. As a further testimony of high esteem, he was placed at 
the head of the Board of War-a station next to that of commander-in- 
chief. He retired from that to his home in Virginia and for a time 
enjoyed domestic life. On the 15th of June 1780 he was put in com- 
mand of the Southern army. The conquering troops of Cornwallis were 
sweeping over the Carolinas like a tornado-the few American soldiers 
were flying before them-towns were burning-everything seemed. rapidly 
drawn towards the vortex of ruin. When Gen. Gates consented to go 
to the field an army of 15000 men, with complete supplies, was repre- 
sented to him on paper, concentrating from the Carolinas and Virginia. 
When he arrived at head quarters he found about 1500 undisciplined 
troops, poorly armed, worse clad, with little food. Elated with his bril- 
liant victory over the Northern army he was over anxious to meet the 
enemy and strike an effective blow. Contrary to the advice of those 
who better understood the country and the means of obtaining supplies 
on the march by taking a circuitous route-he selected a shorter road 
through a dismal district of pine thickets and swamps pregnant with 
disease and destitute of almost any kind of food except cattle occasionally 
found in the forest. Many of his men perished on the way-others were 
rendered unfit for duty by sickness. He ultimately reached Clermont 
from which Lord Rawdon had withdrawn and was joined by a few 
North Carolina militia and a small company under Capt. Potterfield. 
Troops continued to arrive from Virginia and other points until the army 
of Gen. Gates amounted to about 4000-mostly undisciplined militia 
unaccustomed to standing fire or steel. Rawdon and Cornwallis con- 
centrated their troops at Camden amounting to less than 2000 men but 
all of the highest order of soldiers. Gen. Gates resolved on an attack. 
On the 16th of August the two armies met in mortal combat. The militia 
under Gen. Gates were quickly thrown into confusion-the regulars over- 
whelmed and the whole completely routed. This defeat of the Americans 
had no parallel during the war. Among those who did not trace effects 
to causes the fame of the Hero of Saratoga sank below zero. His error 
consisted in risking a battle with an army of British veterans opposed by 
the rawest kind of militia-not in any want of military skill in time of 
action. He was superceded on the 5th of the ensuing October-subjected 
to a court of inquiry-honorably acquitted and re-instated in 1782. The 
time had then passed for him to renovate his military laurels. The 
battles for Independence had been fought-the crowning victory won- 
LiBERTY achieved-FREEDON secured. 
15 



114 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Gen. Gates retired to his plantation in Virginia where he remained 
seven years when he liberated his slaves and removed to the vicinity of 
the city of New York where he lived respected until the 10th of April 
1806, when he threw off his mortal coil and slumbered in death. 

In person Gen. Gates was well formed-in his manners, polished and 
urbane-in disposition, mild and amiable-in his intercourse, just and 
honorable. In 1800 he served in the New York Legislature and enjoyed 
the confidence and esteem of all around him. He was an ardent patriot, 
a good citizen, a perfect gentleman, an honest man. 



ELBRIDGE GERRY. 

Gambling has become a fearful scourge in our expanding country. 
It is practised upon the humblest watercraft that floats upon our 
canals-the frail flatboat that descends our streams-the majestic steam- 
boat that traces our mighty rivers. It lurks in the lowest groggeries 
that curse community-is tolerated in some of the most fashionable 
hotels. Its victims are found in all classes from the hod carrier in his 
bespattered rags up to the members of Congress in their ruffles. The 
gambling room is the enchanted ground of destruction. Once within 
its serpentine coils-a centripetal force rushes its votary to the vortex 
of ruin. Interested friends may kindly warn-the tender wife may- 
entreat with all the eloquence of tears-children may cry and sob for 
bread-if within the fatal snare the infatuated mortal is seldom extri- 
cated in time. He combines the deafness of the adder with the des- 
peration of a maniac. At the gambling table men and youth have 
been prepared to commit deeds registered on the black catalogue of 
crime. In blazing capitals RUIN is marked over the outer door of 
every gambUng den. On the inner door is written in bold relievo- 

CASTLE OF DESPAIR. WrECKS OF FORTUNE AND DEMONS MADE HERE. 

One of the wicket gates that leads thousands into this labyrinth of 
misery consists in fashionable circles where games are played as an 
innocent amusement. It is there that many young men of talent, 
education and wealth, take the entered apprentice degree that leads 
them to the knight templars of destruction. Without any knowledge 
of a game but few would venture money at a gambling table. The 
gaming examples of men in high life have a baneful influence and 
practically sanction the high handed robberies of the finely dressed 
boa-constrictor black legs. The gambling hells tolerated and patron- 
ized in our cities are a disgrace to any nation bearing a Christian name 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 115 

and would be banished from a Pagan community with a Vicksburg 
vengeance. To the honor of the members of the Continental Con- 
gress they placed a veto upon this heaven provoking, soul destroying, 
reputation ruining, wealth devourmg, nation demoralizing vice. 

Among those who abhorred this practice was Elbridge Gerry, born 
at Marblehead, Massachusetts, on the 17th of July 1744. His father 
was an enterprising merchant and bestowed upon this son a classical 
education. He graduated at Harvard University in 1762 with a high 
scholastic reputation. Judging the tree by its fruit, the seed from 
which it sprang must have been of the purest kind and its vegetation 
not retarded by the absorbing and poisonous weeds of vice. Its in- 
cipient pruning must have been performed by a master hand to pro- 
duce a specimen of so much symmetry of proportion, beauty of form 
and richness of foliage. 

After having completed his collegiate studies Mr. Gerry entered the 
counting house of his father and ultimately became one of the most 
enterprising and wealthy merchants of his native town. In his kind 
of business he was amongst the first to feel the weight of the impo- 
litic and unconstitutional revenue system. From the nature of his 
composition he was amongst the first to meet oppression at the thres- 
hold. A man of deep reflection and philosophical investigation-he 
examined closely the extent of American rights and British wrongs. 
He made himself acquainted with the principle and structure of govern- 
ment, international, civil, common, statute and municipal law, political 
economy, home and foreign policy. No one was better informed upon 
the natural, legal and practical relations between the mother country 
and the colonies. He was prepared to act advisedly and firmly. His 
extensive influence, decision of character, sound discretion and exalted 
patriotism-made him a master spirit to guide the public mind. He 
participated in all the movements in favor of liberty. 

On the 26th of May 1773 he commenced his official career as a 
member of the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay then called the Gene- 
ral Court. That body and the royal governor took a strong issue upon 
rights and wrongs. The unconstitutional acts of parliament were 
sanctioned by the latter and fearlessly censured by the former. A 
standing committee was appointed to scan the proceedings of ministers 
and parliament and to correspond with the other colonies relative to 
the important concerns of the nation. Mr. Gerry had been in that 
Dody but two days when he was made a member of this important 
committee. He became one of the principal actors on the tragic stage 
of tlie revolution, the drama of peace, and formation of the Federal 



116 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

government. He walked shoulder to shoulder with Samuel Adams 
and John Hancock in the bold measures that roused the lion from his 
lair-the people to their duty. At the Boston tea party-in the opposi- 
tion to the Port Bill-the impeachment of the crown judges-the con- 
troversy with Gov. Hutchinson-non-intercourse with Great Britain- 
Mr. Gerry stood firm as the granite shores of the Bay State. Nor 
did he waver when Gov. Gage took the helm with a military force to 
do his will and pleasure. When it was found that reason, appeal, 
remonstrance-all fell upon his adamantine soul like dew upon the 
desert of Sahara, the legitimate source of a righteous government was 
resorted to-THE PEOPLE-who nobly sustained their leaders in the hour 
of peril. Severe measures were adopted by parliament-the charter 
of Massachusetts was altered by ex parte legislation-illegal taxes were 
increased-the hirelings of the King became more insolent-the indig- 
nation of the people rose like a tornado-colonial blood flowed-the war 
cry was raised-the clash of arms commenced-the fury of battle raged- 
the strug'gle was terrific-the lion was conquered-AMERicA was free. 

In all the thrilling scenes that passed in Massachusetts before his 
election to Congress, Mr. Gerry took a leading part. He was an effi- 
cient member of the Committee of Safety and Supplies that were for a 
t'ime virtually the government. In April 1775 he narrowly escaped the 
^rasp of his foes. The night previous to the battle of Lexington 
[Messrs. Gerry, Lee and Orne were at Cambridge through which the 
British passed on their way to the opening scene of hostilities. When 
opposite the house where these gentlemen were in bed a file of soldiers 
were suddenly detached and approached it rapidly. The patriots 
barely escaped by the back way in their linen. After the military had 
left they returned for their over clothes and immediately roused the 
people to resistance. The night previous to the death of his intimate 
friend, the brave Warren, Mr. Gerry lodged with him. The anxiety 
they felt for their country induced them to concert plans for future 
action rather than sleep. The lamented hero of Bunker Hill appears 
to have had a presentiment of his premature fate as indicated by the 
last words he uttered as they parted. " It is sweet to die for our 
country." 

In July 1775 the government of Massachusetts adopted a new form 
of government. A legislature was organized and a judiciary es- 
tablished. Mr. Gerry was appointed Judge of the Court of Admiralty 
but declined that he might do more active service. On the 18th of 
January 1776 he was elected to the Continental Congress. Fearless, 
'^autious, prudent-he was the kind of man to meet the momentous 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 117 

crisis of that eventful era. Standing on a lofty eminence of public 
reputation he was hailed as an able auxiliary in the cause of freedom. 
He had a place upon the most important committees and performed 
his duties strictly. To speculators and peculators that prowled around 
the public offices and army he was a terror during the war. He intro- 
duced into Congress many salutary guards against dishonest men who 
prey upon government like promethean vultures. With its age and 
experience our republic is now occasionally tapped at the jugular and 
gets a cut under the fifth rib-producing a laxity of the sinews of 
power. 

When the Declaration of Independence was proposed in Congress 
the soul of Mr. Gerry was enraptured in its favor. He had long been 
prepared for the measure and gave it his ardent support. When the 
thrilling moment arrived for final action upon this important question 
he sanctioned it by his vote and signature and rejoiced in the fulfilment 
of prophecy-./? nation shall he horn in a day. He was continued in 
Congress and faithfully discharged his duties with unabated zeal. The 
committee rooms and the house were alike benefitted by his intelligence 
and extensive experience in general business. He rendered efficient aid 
in reducing to system every branch of the new government. He took 
a conspicuous part in the debates upon the Articles of Confederation 
and was listened to with great attention. He spoke well, reasoned 
closely-demonstrated clearly. He was truly republican and opposed 
to everything that did not bear the impress of sound sense, practical 
usefulness-equality of operation. For these reasons he opposed a 
resolution of thanks to his bosom friend, John Hancock, for his services 
as President of Congress. He said his friend Hancock had done no 
more than to ably perform his duty-all the members had done the 
same. It would be a singular entry upon the journal to record a vote 
of thanks to each. Etiquette prevailed over sound logic-the vote of 
thanks was passed-introducing a custom in the new government that 
has long since lost all efficacy by too frequent use on occasions of 
minor importance. Mr. Gerry was on the committee that devised the 
plan of operations for the Northern army that resulted in the capture 
of Burgoyne. He was upon the one to obtain supplies for the army 
and visited the camp of Washington in the winter of 1777. These 
multiform duties strictly discharged are stronger encomiums upon his 
talents, energy and patriotism than a volume of panegyric from the 
most accomplished writer. 

It has afforded me great pleasure to be able to frequently refer to the 
religious and moral character of the members of the Continental Con- 



118 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

f^ress. The fact is illustrated in the history of the men and corrobo- 
rated by the records of that body and responded to by the States. In 
1778 a resolution was passed in Congress recommending them to adopt 
decisive measures against " theatrical entertainments, horse racing, 
gaming and such other diversions as are productive of idleness, dissi- 
pation and a general depravity of principles and manners." Another 
resolution strictly enjoined upon the officers of the army-" to see that 
the good and wholesome rules provided for the discountenancing of 
profaneness and vice and the preservation of morals among the soldiers 
are duly and punctually preserved." A third one was passed that 
would be a sweeper if revived at the present day. It arose from a dis- 
position on the part of a few officers to disregard the one first cited and 
was a supplement to that. " Resolved-That any person holding an 
office under the United States who shall act, promote, encourage or 
attend such plays-shall be deemed unworthy to hold such office and 
shall be accordingly dismissed." 

Mr. Gerry supported and voted for all these resolutions and for those 
recommending days of fasting, humihation and prayer. Sectarianism 
never polluted the members of the Continental Congress. Charity was 
the bright star in their diadem of fame. He was upon the grand com- 
mittee of one from each State to examine foreign affairs and the con- 
duct of foreign commissioners particularly that of Mr. Deane. This 
committee used the probe freely and recommended Congress to use the 
amputating knife upon every limb affected by the gangrene of political 
corruption. O ! Jupiter ! what a slaughter such an operation would 
make at the present time. On the 14th of October 1779 Mr, Gerry 
proposed the expedition against the Indians which was successfully 
executed by Gen. Sullivan. He proposed a resolution designed to 
guard against inducements to' corrupt influence-" No candidates for 
public office shall vote in or otherwise influence their own election— that 
Congress wi.' not appoint any member thereof during its time of sitting 
or within six months after he shall have been in Congress, to any office 
under the States for which he or any other for his benefit may receive 
any salary, fees or emolument." It was then lost but he revived and 
carried it in 1785. The principle has since been partly adopted under 
the Federal Constitution. As a member of the Committee of Finance 
he stood next to Robert Morris. In 1780 he retired from Congress 
after an arduous and faithful service of five years. In all situations 
and at all times he was energetic, zealous and active in the cause of 
liberty. When his duties called him to the army if there was auy 
fighting on the tapis whilst he was in camp he always took an active 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 119 

part. In the battle of Chesnut Hill he shouldered a musket and entered 
the ranks. When Gen. Kniphausen engaged the American army at 
Springfield Mr. Gerry took his station by the side of Washington who 
invested him with a volunteer command during his stay. 

The second year after his retirement he again took his seat in Con- 
gress. The business of the nation was then more perplexing than in the 
heat of the war. An empty treasury, a prostrate credit, an enormous 
debt presented a fearful aspect. To aid in bringing order out of chaos 
he was of great service. Committee labors were piled upon his shoulders 
as if he was an Atlas to carry the world or an Atalanta in the celerity 
of business. The local feelings and interests of the states had become 
effervescent. The half pay for life guaranteed to all officers who 
remained in the army during the war was satisfactory to but a few. 
This was settled by compounding the annuity for five years full pay. 
In 1784 he was on the important Committee of Foreign Relations-on the 
one to revise the Treasury Department. The same session he presented 
a resolution for the compensation of Baron Steuben who had rendered 
immense services by introducing a system of military tactics and dis- 
cipline into the American army by which it was governed and which 
was strictly adhered to long after the Revolution. It was warmly sup- 
ported by Mr. Jefferson and others but was lost, charity would suggest, 
in consequence of the embarrassed state of the finances. In 1785 Mr. 
Gerry closed his services in Congress and retired to Cambridge near 
Boston, with all the honors of a pure patriot crowned with the sincere 
gratitude of a nation of freemen. 

Time soon developed to the sages of the Revolution that the Articles 
of Confederation that bound the colonies together when impending 
dangers and one common interest created a natural cement-were not 
sufficient to secure the liberty they had. achieved. Local interests 
engendered jealousies, these produced dissatisfaction and this threatened 
to involve the government in anarchy. To remedy these evils Mr. 
Madison made a proposition that each state send delegates to a conven- 
tion which convened in May 1781 at Philadelphia and framed the 
Federal Constitution in which Mr. Gerry took a very active part. He 
was amongst those who did not sanction or sign that instrument. For 
this act, dictated by his conscience, he was liberally abused by out door 
cynical partisans-not by the noble minded statesmen who differed with 
him in opinion-all honest in their views and patriotic in their motives. 
They soared above the acrimonious scurrility of venal party spirit. 
After the constitution was adopted no one adhered to it more strictly 
than Mr. Gerry-always holding sacred the great republican principle- 



120 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the majority must rule and he obeyed. He was a member of the fiist 
Congress under it and did much toward raising the beautiful superstruc- 
ture now towering sublimely upon its broad basis. He served four years 
and again sought retirement. This was transient. 

In 1797 the relations between our country and France had assumed a 
portentous aspect. President Adams determined on sending an able 
embassy to that government-to make a strong effort to conclude an 
amicable arrangement of difficulties before appealing to arms. Gen. Pinck- 
ney was then there. Mr. Gerry and Mr. Marshall, since Chief Justice 
of the United States, were appointed to join him, each empowered to act 
collectively or separately as a sound discretion should dictate. On their 
arrival the French Directory refused to recognize them. To prevent an 
immediate rupture-prudence and patriotism were necessary. After 
many fruitless attempts to enter upon a negotiation Messrs. Pinckney 
and Marshall were peremptorily ordered home and Mr. Gerry recognized 
as the official organ of the United States. By his discreet, firm and 
manly course he effected a settlement and prevented a war that seemed 
inevitable. 

In 1805 he was a member of the electoral college. Although his state 
was decidedly federal he was elected governor in 1810 by the republican 
party by a large majority-conclusive evidence of his great popularity. 
He never entered into partisan feelings. In his first message he lucidly 
portrayed the danger of high toned party spirit. He felt and acted for 
his whole country. For many years he had anxiously desired to be 
excused from public duties but no excuse was accepted. In 1813 he 
was inaugurated Vice President of the United States. He discharged 
the duties of the office with great ability and dignity. His impartiality, 
correctness and candor gained for him the esteem of the elevated body 
over which he presided to the last day of his eventful and useful life- 
teaching by example his favorite precept-" It is the duty of every citizen 
though he may have but one day to live to devote that day to the service 
of his country." At the city of Washington a beautiful monument .5 
»>rected to his memory with an inscription as follows. 

The tomb of 

ELBRIDGE GERRY, 

Vice President of the United States, 

who died suddenly in this city on his way to the 

Capitol, as President of the Senate, 

November 23d, 1814, 

Aged 70. 



OF THE AMERICiN REVOLUTION. 121 

In the review of the Ufe of Elbridge Gerry the pure patriot finds 
much to admire-the Christian nothing to condemn. Partisans may- 
censure because he kept aloof from high toned party spirit-the mael- 
strom of nations that once were but now are not. His examples of 
devotedness to the good of his country, his untiring industry, his intel- 
ligence, his moral worth-are all worthy of imitation and shed a rich 
unfading lustre upon his character. He discharged all the duties of 
private life with the strictest fidelity. He was useful in every station 
where duty called, no perils retarded his onward course towards the 
goal of RIGHT. His purposes were deliberately formed and boldly 
executed. He was an honor to our country, the cause of freedom 
and enlightened, philanthropic and liberal legislation. He was a noble 
specimen of unalloyed patriotism-a patriotism that must be widely 
diffused among the increasing masses of our expanding country-then 
our UNION will be preserved-our land continue to be what it now 

is— THE LAND OP THE BRAVE-THE HOME OF THE FREE. 



NATHANIEL GREENE. 

The history of the American Revolution will be read with intense 
interest through all time whether presented as a ponderous whole or in 
sections. Its most attractive form to the impatient and romantic reader 
is the delineation of noble and god like individual action. Numerous 
bold exploits were performed-hair-breadth escapes made by the private 
soldier that had an exciting ephemeral history worthy of record which 
is now buried, with the meritorious actor and his immediate acquaint- 
ances. Some thrilling stories will have a more protracted existence 
in the annals of tradition but will ultimately lose their freshness, wither 
and die. Truthful hving tradition belongs to the red man-not to us. 
In all nations-from the barbarous up to the refined civilized, the glory 
of the battle field has been awarded to the leaders who planned-not 
to the soldiers who executed. In our republican land of professed 
equality partial inroads upon this rule have been made. In our com- 
mon militia and volunteer companies the soldier is often equal and 
sometimes superior to his commanding officer in point of talent and 
weight of character. This can rarely be the case among an oppressed 
people and still more rarely would the existing fact be admitted. 
During the revolution merit was clothed with its true dignity more 
than now. Many who stood upon this first legitimate stepping stone 
to office ascended from the ranks of the army to high commands-from 
16 



122 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the retired walks of life to the legislative halls and posts of honor in 
the various departments of government. The frame-work of the most 
liberal military system is adverse to the recognition of individual merit 
below the officer. The case must be very extraordinary to be offi- 
cially announced. Hence large standing armies bind in the fetters of 
ignorance a vast amount of intellect that would be brought into mellow 
life and usefulness in a free enlightened republican government like 
our own. 

Among the Heroes of the American Revolution whose merit brought 
him into notice was Nathaniel Greene, born at the town of Warwick, 
Rhode Island, in 1741. His parents were respectable members of the 
Society of Friends-of course opposed to the profession of arms. His 
father was an anchor manufacturer and gave his son a limited chance 
to obtain a common education. With this the mind of Nathaniel was 
not content. He pursued his studies every leisure hour and with his 
extra earnings purchased books. He mastered the Latin with but little 
aid from an instructor. The history of military chieftains he read with 
great delight. When he arrived at manhood he was a good mechanic 
and a bright scholar. For a time he followed the business of making 
anchors for vessels but was soon called to the more important work 
of aiding in the construction of the sheet anchor of freedom. At an 
early age he was elected a member of the legislature where he became 
a conspicuous advocate of equal rights and boldly opposed the usurpa- 
tions of mother Britain. His course obtained for him an expulsion 
from the Society of Friends and the esteem of every patriot. I respect 
the Quakers but not this paradox in their creed. They profess to love 
liberty-but few of them are willing to pay its price in coin-none of 
them can bear arms without excommunication. 

On his return from the Assembly Nathaniel enrolled himself a private 
in a military corps that was suggested and formed by himself and char- 
tered under the title of the Kentish Guards, It was placed under the 
command of Gen. Varnum. In 1775 the little patriotic state of Rhode 
Island raised three regiments-in all sixteen hundred rank and file-officered 
by the most distinguished military characters of the colony. No one 
could have been more surprised than young Greene on receiving the com- 
mission of Brigadier General. He was put in command of this small 
brigade and immediately marched them to head quarters at Cambridge, 
Mass. He applied himself closely to the study of military tactics and 
soon became an excellent disciplinarian-an able officer. For correctness 
of evolution, subordination and good order-his was a model brigade. 
His merits were quickly discovered by the acute Washington who often 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 123 

consulted him with confidence in cases of doubt and difficulty. This 
confidence he communicated to Congress. It arose from two strong 
points-Greene had superior talents and was a Christian. On the 26th 
of August 1776 Greene was commissioned a Major General of the regular 
army of the United States and put forth his noblest exertions to promote 
the interests of his bleeding country. At the battles of Trenton and 
Princeton he exhibited great skill and judicious conduct. At the battle 
of Germantown he commanded the left wing of the army and received 
the unqualified approbation of Washington for his coolness and bravery. 
In March 1778 he accepted the appointment of Quarter Master General 
retaining his rank and right to command in time of action according to 
the seniority of his commission. At the victorious battle of Monmouth 
he commanded the right wing of the army and led his troops to the 
onset with the terrific force of an avalanche. 

In the siege of the British garrison at Newport, R. I. he served under 
Gen. Sullivan. When it was found necessary to retreat in consequence 
of the dispersion of the French fleet by a storm which prevented it from 
rendering the contemplated aid, the army was greatly indebted to the 
judgment and skill of Gen. Greene in extricating it from a perilous 
position. 

The British power being measurably paralyzed in the north Lord 
Cornwallis turned his attention to the south where the defences were 
less-the plunder more. On the 26th of December 1779 he commenced 
his movement and landed thirty miles from Charleston, S. C. on the 11th 
of February ensuing. He then commenced the work of destruction and 
brutality with increased rigor. JNo respect was paid to private property, 
religious sanctity or defenceless females. After a spirited defence 
Charleston was compelled to surrender. The British carried dismay, 
victory and death in their whole course. Plunder, rapine and murder 
were the order of the day. Booty and beauty were the watch words of 
his most Christian majesty's officers and soldiers. 

Under these heart rending circumstances Washington directed Gen. 
Crreene to take command of the Southern army. In company with the 
brave Morgan he arrived at Charlotte on the 2d of December 1780. The 
so called army numbered 970 reguIars-1013 militia, destitute of military 
stores, unpaid, nearly naked, poorly fed and no government supplies 
nearer than two hundred miles. Opposed was a powerful army rich in 
plunder, flushed with victory, liberally paid, abundantly fed, well clothed 
and amply supplied with military stores of every kind. The front view 
of the picture was dark and gloomy-on the back ground Greene and 
Morgan saw the rays of hope shedding their cheering beams on the 



124 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

spire of Liberty. Gen. Greene went to woriv for dear life. By his amiable 
deportment he gained the love and confidence of iiis soldiers-the esteem 
and respect of the inhabitants. From the surrounding country he gained 
short supplies and raised a few recruits. He despatched Gen. Morgan 
with a small force to the western part of the state which gave fresh 
courage to the patriots of that section. By a falling into the ranks the 
force of Morgan increased so much that Cornwallis ordered Col. Tarle- 
ton to disperse this band of rebels and put all to the sword who did not 
surrender at discretion. On the ITth of January 1781, Tarleton came 
up to this rough and ready party at the Cowpens. Although his force 
was inferior in numbers and two-thirds raw militia, Gen. Morgan deter- 
mined to stand fire. Sure of an easy victory the proud Britons rushed 
on to action and were as much astonished to meet with an unbroken 
line streaming with fire as if they had been brought up all standing 
against an unperceived wire fence across the high way. Tarleton 
roared, foamed, raved and commanded his men to charge. Again the 
blazing streams of fire illuminated the lines of Morgan whose troops 
rushed upon the broken ranks of the enemy with the fury of a tornado. 
The struggle was short, the victory complete, the amazement of Tarleton 
paralyzing. Besides the killed, over five hundred of the enemy were 
taken prisoners and a convenient amount of the munitions of war fell into 
the hands of the victors. Supposing he had crushed the rebel power in 
the south Cornwallis was astounded at the result of this hasty recreative 
expedition. He immediately marched in pursuit of Morgan determined 
to rescue the prisoners and wipe out the disgrace Tarleton had brought 
upon the British arms. The hero of the Cowpens was too old a fox to 
be easily caught. He could do some things as well as others. He was 
as skilful in retreat as he was desperate in battle. He knew when, where 
and how to fight. He was courageous, not rash-bold, not imprudent and 
as watchful as an Argus. He effected a junction with Gen. Greene on 
the 7th of February. The chagrined Cornwallis advanced rapidly 
determined to annihilate the little American army at one fell swoop. 
Greene retreated into Virginia where he added to his numbers and sup- 
plies. So confident was the British general of overtaking him that he 
destroyed his heavy baggage to accelerate his movements. The patriots 
were not thus encumbered. Many of them had only their arms and 
remnants of tattered garments, being obliged to place tufts of moss on 
their shoulders to prevent the friction of the cartouch straps. To the 
Dursuing enemy the Americans seemed an ignis fattius-ohen to be seen 
but never reached. The chase was abandoned. In turn Greene annoyed 
Cornwallis by cutting off" his supplies, capturing foraging parties and 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 125 

constantly watching all his movements. His situation became perilous, 
his numbers were constantly growing less by capture, desertion and 
disease. His supplies cost blood as well as treasure-the force of Greene 
was constantly augmenting-the tables were turned-he retreated to Hills- 
borough where he endeavored to raise new recruits by liberal offers of 
British gold. The yellow dust had lost its magic charm on Americans- 
patriotism was the more current coin. 

Unwilling to be long separated from the noble lord, Green paid him 
a visit on the 15th of March. The interview took place at Guilford 
court house between one and two o'clock P. M. and continued nearly 
two hours. Owing to the militia that formed the front line flying at 
the sight of the red coats the Americans were obliged to give 
ground and make it a drawn battle-but the meeting was a sad one for 
Cornwallis. His loss was 532 killed, wounded and missing, among 
whom were several of his most distinguished officers. So crippled 
was the British army that a pecipitate retreat to Wilmington was 
ordered leaving those of the wounded who were not able to march. 
The loss of Gen. Greene was about 400 killed and wounded. Corn- 
wallis claimed the victory-one not very auspicious to his military glory 
or royal master. Gen. Greene commenced offensive operations. He 
determined on attacking Lord Rawdon who was strongly fortified at 
Camden S. C. with 900 men. The American forces amounted to only 
700 and encamped within a mile of the British lines cutting ofi" all 
supplies from the enemy. Anticipating a reinforcement to the little 
army of Gen. Greene and being on short allowance his lordship made 
a sally on the 25th of April and boldly attacked the offending invaders. 
For some time victory perched upon the brow of Greene-his cavalry 
had taken over two hundred prisoners. One of his regiments made a 
move which compelled him to retreat with a loss of about 200 killed, 
wounded and prisoners. The loss of Lord Rawdon was 258. So 
flushed was the British general with this dear victory that he fled 
from Camden leaving his sick and wounded to the care of those 
who he knew would care for them. The back handed victories of 
Guilford and Camden so paralyzed the enemy that they soon aban- 
doned a number of small fortifications-large quantities of military 
stores and concentrated a considerable force at the strong garrison of 
Ninety Six. On the 22d of May Greene commenced a siege upon 
that place but modestly retired to give place to three regiments of 
strangers fresh from England. Before doing this he made an unsuc- 
cessful assault at a cost of about 150 men. But for the reinforcements 
the garrison would have shortly surrendered. 



126 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

During the ensuing two montiis nothing but skirmishing occurred. 
On the 9th of September the army of Gen. Greene had increased to 
2000 men. The division of the British army under Col. Stewart was 
posted at Eutaw Springs. An immediate attack was made by the 
Americans in the following order. As he approached the enemy Gen. 
Greene formed his troops in two lines-the first composed of Carolina 
militia under Generals Marion, Pickens and Col. de Malmedy. . The 
second was composed of regulars under Gen. Sumpter, Lieut. Col. 
Campbell and Col. Williams. Lieut, Col. Lee covered the right flank 
with his legion-Lieut. Henderson covered the left with the state troops. 
The cavalry under Col. Washington and the Delaware troops under 
Capt. Kirkwood were held in reserve. Scarcely was the line of battle 
completed when the British rapidly advanced. The Americans met 
the onset with the bravery of veterans but were compelled to give 
.way. The battle raged with fearful fury. All depended on a sudden 
and desperate movement. Gen. Greene ordered the Virginia and 
Maryland regulars to advance with trailed arms-facing a shower of 
musket and grape shot. The order was instantly obeyed-they broke 
the lines of the British and drove them some distance to a thicket of 
trees and brick houses where they rallied and took a stand. The 
Americans took over 500 prisoners and remained on the field of battle. 
Under cover of night Col. Stewart retreated towards Charleston leav- 
ing 70 of his wounded and 1000 stand of arms. His total loss in men 
was near 1200-that of Greene 500 in killed and wounded. The Eng- 
lish had the largest force in action. For this display of skill and 
bravery Congress presented Gen. Greene with a British standard and 
gold medal. What was dearer to him than all else-he received the 
high approbation of Washington and his country. From that time 
the torch of kingly power rapidly decreased until its last flickering 
light expired. For a time Charleston was occupied by the crown 
troops-offensive operations they dare not undertake -only by small and 
transient booty and beauty squads. 

It may seem mysterious to the young readers why soldiers fought 
so valiantly who were poorly paid, scantily fed and scarcely clothed. 
Hundreds of them were entirely naked at the Eutaw battle. Their 
loins were galled severely by their cartouch boxes. It was considered 
a great favor to obtain a folded rag to lay on the scarified part. Their 
food was often a scanty supply of rice or a few roasted potatoes. The 
officers suffered alike with the common soldiers. Gen. Greene was in 
the southern field seven consecutive months without taking off his 
clothes to retire for a night. Love of liberty and love of their leading 



OF THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 127 

general and his brave officers kept these soldiers together and rendered 
them desperate on the field of battle. This removes the mystery. If 
all could be made to realize the price of our Liberty, political asperity 
and party spirit would hide their polluting forms under the mantle of 
shame and retire to the peaceful shades of oblivion. Reader-never 
forget the blood, treasure and anguish your Liberty cost. 

Finding that the wary Greene could not be conquered by force of 
arms British gold was once more put in requisition by the enemy. 
Several native foreigners had deserted to the English and were induced 
to form a plan to deliver up Gen. Greene and his principal officers. 
A sergeant and two domestics attached to the person of the General 
were bribed and in correspondence with the British. A time was 
fixed to deliver him and every officer of rank to the enemy. As usual 
a guardian angel was there. A female heard some unguarded expres- 
sions from the sergeant and promptly informed Gen. Greene. The 
troops were at once ordered on parade-the sergeant was arrested-con- 
fessed his guilt, was condemned and shot. When led to execution he 
warned all not to sully their glory or forego the advantages they would 
speedily realize from the successful termination of the war and if a 
thought of desertion was in their bosoms to banish it at once and for 
ever. He acknowledged the justice of his sentence-distributed his 
little all among his comrades-gave the signal and paid the penalty of 
his crime. Thus was a base and cowardly plot detected by angelic 
woman-the ringleader executed and the southern army saved from 
probable destruction. Not a single native American was concerned m 
this conspiracy. 

Another circumstance occurred shortly after this that marred the 
happiness of Gen. Greene for a little time. The appointment of Col. 
Laurens to a command in their little army gave great umbrage to the 
officers generally who immediately tendered their resignation to the 
General. He affectionately recommended them to appeal to Congress 
for redress and not desert the noble cause of Liberty prematurely. 
They seemed determined in their course— he reluctantly received their 
commissions. On being separated from him their attachment was fully 
revealed to them. They found it impossible to leave their beloved 
General-again took their commissions and followed his advice. No 
officer could gain the affections of those under him more fully than did 
Gen. Greene. Kindness and even handed justice to all were amongst 
his marked characteristics. He shared the hardship and glory of the 
field with his soldiers. He did all in his power to supply their wants 
and alleviate their distress. By example and precept he taught his 



128 THE SAGES AND HEKOES 

men to meet calamity with heroic fortitude, pointing to the goal of 
liberty as a final rest from the toils of war-to realms of bliss beyond 
the skies as the eternal rest of the virtuous and good. 

Early in October the last lion was caged at Yorktown. There the 
struggle closed-there the victorious Cornwallis-the pride of mother 
Britain, was humbled, the shouts of victory and the clarion of freedom 
sounded and the sons of Columbia crowned with laurels of enduring 
fame. The battles of Gen. Greene were finished. He had served his 
country long and faithfully. He had surmounted the mighty barriers 
that opposed him-he had contributed largely in breaking the chains of 
slavery-Liberty had triumphed over despotism-his country was free, 
and was acknowledged independent by the power that had long sought 
to enslave it. Gentle peace shed fresh lustre on the care-worn counte- 
nances of the sages and heroes and diffused her refulgent rays from the 
shores of the broad Atlantic to the silver lakes of the far west. 

On his way home Gen. Greene was hailed with grateful enthusiasm 
in every town through which he passed. On his arrival at Princeton 
Congress was in session there. As a testimony of respect for his valu- 
able services that body presented him with two pieces of ordnance taken 
from the British army. The state of Georgia presented him with a 
valuable plantation near Savannah. The State of South Carolina con- 
veyed to him a large tract of rich land which he sold to enable him to 
pay debts contracted to obtain supplies for his soldiers. In the autumn 
of 1785 he removed to his plantation in Georgia anticipating all the 
enjoyment of domestic felicity. This was of short duration. On the 
12th of June 1786 he was attacked with inflammation upon his brain 
caused by a stroke of the sun and on the 19th of that month his spirit 
returned to the bosom of his God. Thus closed the brilliant career of 
one of the most distinguished sons of the Revolution. From his child- 
hood to his grave he was the pride of his friends, a shining light to his 
country-a blessing to our nation. He was a prudent and brave general, 
an accomplished gentleman, a good citizen, an honest man, a consistent 
Christian. His character was pure as the crystal fountain-his fame 
enduring as the records of time. His examples are models for imita- 
tion, his history is full of instruction, his merits worthy of our highest 
admiration. His faults were completely eclipsed by the brilliancy of 
his superior worth. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 129 



BUTTON GWINNETT. 

False honor like false religion is worse than none. They both lead 
to destruction and are deprecated by all good men. The one is a relic 
of the barbarous ages-the other is older, having first been innposed on 
mother Eve amidst the amaranthine bowers of Eden. Inconsistency is 
an incubus that assumes numerous forms. In some shape it hangs 
over every nation and most individuals. It is human nature to err-but 
some errors are so plainly a violation of reason and common sense that 
it is passing strange sound men do not avoid them. Yet we often see 
those of high attainments rush into the whirlpool of inconsistency with 
a blind infatuation that the fine spun rules of the acutest sophistry can- 
not justify. 

One of the fallacious and opprobrious inconsistencies that now dis- 
graces our nation is duelling. Many in this country boast of our in- 
tellectual light and mourn over the ignorance of the poor untutored red 
man. In turn he can point us to a dark spot on our national character 
that never tarnished the name of a western or eastern Indian. This 
bohun upas thrives only in communities that claim civilization. In no 
country has it been tolerated with so much impunity as in our own. 
By our law it is murder. In no instance has this law been enforced. 
Widows may mourn, orphans languish, hearts bleed, our statesmen 
perish and the murderer still run at large and be treated by many with 
more deference than if his hands were not stained with blood. This 
foul stigma upon the American name should be washed out speedily 
and effectually. Let the combined powers of public opinion, legisla- 
tive, judicial and executive action be brought to bear upon it with the 
force of a rushing avalanche. Flagrant crimes are suppressed only by 
strong measures. 

Among the victims of this barbarous practice was Button Gwinnett, 
a man of splendid talents and a patriot of the American Kevolution. 
He was born in England in 1732. His parents were respectable but 
not wealthy. Being a boy of promise they bestowed on him a good 
education. At his majority he commenced a successful mercantile 
career at Bristol in his native country. Surrounded by a large family 
he resolved on changing his location and came to Charleston S. C. in 
1770, where he pursued merchandizing two years. He then sold out 
his store, purchased a plantation on St. Catharine Island, Georgia, to 
which he removed and became an enterprising agriculturist. He pos- 
17 



130 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

sessed an active mind and was a close observer of passing events 
Having resided in England during the formation of the visionary and 
impolitic plan of taxing the colonies, he understood well the framework 
of the British cabinet. From the course he promptly pursued it is 
plain he was a Whig in England. The subject of raising revenue from 
the colonies of the new world had been fully and abl}^ discussed in 
Great Britain. Many of her profound statesmen had portrayed, with 
all the truth of prophecy, the result of the blind unjust course of minis- 
ters towards the Americans. The most sagacious English statesman 
then in Parliament, Lord Chatham, exerted his noblest powers to bring 
the cabinet to a sense of common justice-the only path of safety. 
Mingling with intelligent men at Bristol, Mr. Gwinnett had become 
well informed upon the litigated points in controversy and was well 
acquainted wuth the relative feelings and situation of the two countries. 
When the question of liberty or slavery was placed before the people 
of his adopted land he declared in favor of freedom. Knowing the 
superior physical force of Great Britain and the weakness of the colo- 
nies, a successful resistance seemed to him problematical. His doubts 
upon the subject were removed by the enthusiasm of the patriots gene- 
rally and especially by the lucid demonstrations of Lyman Hall, a bold 
and fearless advocate of equal rights with whom he became intimate. 
Convinced of the justice and possible success of the cause he at once 
became a champion in its favor. He had counted the cost, he had re- 
volved in his mind the dangers that would accumulate around him and 
truly predicted his property would be destroyed by the devastating 
enemy-yet he nobly resolved to risk his life, fortune and honor in de- 
fence of chartered rights and constitutional franchises. 

He enrolled his name among the leaders of the patriotic movements- 
became a member of several committees and conspicuous at public meet- 
ings. In her colonial capacity Georgia was the last to come to the 
rescue. Some of her noblest sons had become shining lights in the 
glorious cause. Patriotism was extending-oppression increasing, eyes 
opening, ears listening, minds working, hearts beating and those who 
were perching on the pivot of uncertainty were fast losing their balance. 
At length the cry of blood was heard from Lexington. The work was 
done. Georgia started from her lethargy like a lion roused from his 
lair and prepared for the conflict. Like green wood-she was slow to 
take fire but gave a permanent heat when ignited. 

On the 2d of February 1776 Mr. Gwinnett was appointed to the Con- 
tinental Congress and took his seat on the 20th of May ensuing. 
Although his constituents were determined to maintain their rights at all 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 131 

hazards most of them loked upon the plan of Independence as a project 
of visionary fancy-ideal, not to be hoped for or attempted. It gained 
strength by discussion and emerged from its embryo form. At this junc- 
ture a colleague of Mr. Gwinnett, the Rev. Mr. Zubly with a Judas 
heart, wrote a letter to the royal governor of Georgia, disclosing the con- 
templated measure, a copy of which was in some way obtamed and placed 
in the hands of Mr. Chase who immediately denounced the traitor on the 
floor of Congress. The Iscariot at first attempted a denial by challenging 
the proof but finding that thebetrayer had been betrayed he fled pre- 
cipitately for Georgia in order to place himself under the protection of 
the governor who had just escaped from the enraged patriots on board a 
British armed vessel in Savannah harbor and had enough to do to protect 
himself without rendering aid or comfort to a traitor. He was followed 
by Mr. Houston one of his colleagues. Swift was the pursuit but swifter 
the flight. On the wings of guilt he flew too rapidly to be overtaken. 

When the proposition came before Congress for a final separation from 
the mother country Mr. Gwinnett became a warm advocate for the 
measure. When the trying hour arrived, big with consequences, he 
gave his approving vote and aflixed his name to the important document 
that stands acknowled by the civilized world the most lucid exposition 
of human rights upon the records of history-the Declaration of American 
Independence. In February 1777 he took a seat in the convention of 
his own state convened to form a constitution under the new govern- 
ment. He at once took a leading part and submitted the draft of a con- 
stitution which was slightly amended and immediately adopted. Shortly 
after this he was elevated to the Presidency of the Provincial Council, 
then the first office in the state-rising in a single year from private life 
to the pinnacle of power in Georgia. At this time an acrimonious jealousy 
existed between the civil and military authorities. At the head of the 
latter was Gen. Mcintosh against whom Mr. Gwinnett had run the pre- 
vious year for Brig. General and was unsuccessful. His elevation and 
influence annoyed the General. The civil power claimed the right 
to try military officers for offences that Gen. Mcintosh contended came 
only under the jurisdiction of a court martial. Mr. Gwinnett had planned 
an expedition against East Florida and contemplated having the com- 
mand. Gen. Mcintosh conferred it upon a senior lieutenant-colonel. 
The expedition was a failure. The General publicly exulted over his 
hated enemy and gloried in the misfortune. Under the new constitution 
a governor was to be elected on the first Monday of the ensuing May. 
Mr. Gwinnett became a candidate. His competitor was a man far 
inferior to him in point of talents and acquirements but w-as elected. 



132 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Gen. Mcintosh again publicly exulted in the disappointments that were 
overwhelming his antagonist. A challenge from Mr. Gwinnett ensued- 
they met on the blood stained field of false honor-fought at four paces- 
both were wounded, Mr. Gwinnett mortally and died on the 27th of May 
1777, the very time he should have been in Congress. Comment is need- 
less-reflection is necessary. 

Aside from this rash error the escutcheon of Mr. Gwinnett was without 
a blot. He was a splendid figure, commanding in appearance, six feet 
in height, open countenance, graceful in his manners and possessed of 
fine feeling. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, a good 
citizen and an honest man. 



LYMAN HALL. 

Decision gives weight to character when tempered with prudence and 
discretion. The individual who is uniformly perched on the pivot of 
uncertainty and fl.uttering in the wind of indetermination can never 
gain public confidence or exercise an extensive influence. To be truly 
beneficial decision must receive its momentum from the pure fountain 
')f our own matured judgment and not depend upon others to point 
us to the path of duty. When the child becomes a man he should 
ihink and act as a man and draw freely from the resources of his own 
immortal mind. He may enjoy the reflective light of others but 
should depend upon the focus of his own, made more clear by reflec- 
tives. The man who pins his faith upon the sleeve of another and 
does not keep the lamp of his own understanding trimmed and burn- 
ing, is a mere automaton in life and never fills the vacuum designed 
by his creation. When he makes his final exit from the stage of 
action he leaves no trace behind-no rich memento to tell that he once 
lived, moved and had a being upon the earth or bore the moral image 
of his God. The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution left 
bright examples of self-moving action and decision of character. 

Among those who were roused to exertion by the reflection of their 
own minds was Lyman Hall, born in Connecticut 1731. He graduated 
in Yale College at an early age, studied medicine, married a wife 
before he was twenty-one, removed to Dorchester, S. C. in 1752 and 
commenced the practice of medicine. After residing there a short 
time he joined a company of some forty families, mostly New Eng- 
landers and removed to Med way in the parish of St. John, Georgia. 
He became a successful practitioner and was esteemed for his prudence, 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 133 

discretion, clearness of perception, soundness of judgment-united with 
refinement of feeling, urbanity of manners, a calm and equable mind 
and great benevolence. He had only to be known to be appreciated. 
As years rolled peacefully along Dr. Hall became extensively ac- 
quainted and greatly beloved. He took great interest in the happi- 
ness of those around him and in the welfare of the people at large. 
He was a close observer of men and things-understood well the phi- 
losophy of human rights and the principles of the tenure by which the 
mother country held jurisdiction over the colonies. When the marked 
bounds of that jurisdiction were passed he was one of the first to meet 
the aggressors and point his countrymen to the innovations. As en- 
croachments increased his patriotism grew warmer-enthusiastic zeal 
followed, tempered by the purest motives-guided by the soundest dis- 
cretion. The indecision and temporizing spirit of Georgia, for a time, 
wjLs painful to her truly patriotic sons who early espoused the cause, 
of Liberty. It was extremely annoying to Dr. Hall but only tended to 
increase his exertions in the work of political regeneration. Over the 
people of his own district he exercised an unlimited-a judicious influ- 
ence. He attended the patriotic meetings held at Savannah in 1774-5 
tmd contributed much in promoting the glorious cause just bursting 
into life. His immediate constituents were with him in feeling and 
action. All the other colonies had united in defence of their common 
country determined to resist the common enemy. St. John being a 
frontier settlement and more exposed than any other in the province, 
he prudently laid the subject before his people and called upon them 
to choose whom they would serve. They promptly decided against 
domination of royalty and declared for Liberty. They at once sepa- 
rated from the other parishes-formed a distinct political community- 
applied for admission into the confederation of the other colonies- 
passed resolutions of non-intercourse with Savannah so long as it 
remained under kingly authority except to obtain the absolute neces- 
saries of life and organized committees to carry these patriotic and 
decisive measures into efiect. Placed on such an eminence they were 
welcomed into the general compact as men worthy of freedom. In 
March 1775 they elected Lyman Hall to the Continental Congress to 
represent the parish of St. John that stood like an isolated island of 
granite in the ocean regardless of the waves of fury that were foam- 
ing around it. This example had a powerful influence on the other 
parishes. From this lump of liberty-leaven the whole mass became 
rapidly impregnated-rose beautifully and was admirably baked in 
freedom's oven and soon fit for use. In July following Dr. Hall had 



134 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the proud satisfaction of seeing Georgia fully represented by men 
honest and true-always excepting Judas Iscariot alias Zubly. To Dr. 
Hall may be justly attributed the first impetus given to the revolu- 
tionary ball in his district which was formed into a new county in 
1777 and named Liberty. 

On taking his seat in Congress Dr. Hall was hailed with enthusiasm 
as the nucleus of patriotism that would eventually draw to one com- 
mon centre the people of his province. He was a valuable acquisition 
to the various committees on which he was placed and gained the 
esteem of all around him. On the floor he was listened to with pro- 
found attention. He reasoned closely and calmly, confining himself to 
the question under consideration without any eff'ort to shine as an 
orator. His known patriotism, decision of character, purity of purpose 
and honesty of heart-gave him a salutary influence that was sensibly 
felt, fully acknowledged and judiciously exercised. In 1776 he again 
took his seat in Congress and became decidedly in favor of cutting 
loose from the mother country. He had induced his own district to 
present a miniature example that stood approved by every patriot 
He felt the justice of the cause of Liberty. He believed Providence 
would direct a successful result. He was fully convinced the set time 
had come to free the colonies. With such feelings he hailed the birth 
day of our Independence as the grand jubilee of Liberty. He cheer- 
fully joined in passing the mighty Rubicon-aided in preparing the sar- 
cophagus of tyranny and signed the certificate of freedom with a 
joyful heart. 

He was continued in Congress up to 1780 when he took his final 
leave of that body where he had rendered faithful and important ser- 
vice. In 1782 he returned to his own Slate and aided in rendering 
more perfect the organization of her government. The enemy had 
destroyed his property and wreaked a special vengeance on his district 
generally. His family had been compelled to fly to the North and 
depend on the bounty of others for support. In 1783 he was elected 
Governor of Georgia and contributed largely in perfecting the super- 
structure of her civil institutions and in placing her on the high road 
to peace and prosperity. This accomplished he retired from public 
life under the broad banner of an honest and well earned fame. He 
then settled in Burke County where he was again permitted to pursue 
the even tenor of his ways and enjoy the highest of all earthly plea- 
sure-fhe domestic fireside with his own dear family. Calmly and 
quietly he glided down the stream of time until 1790 when he closed 
his eyes upon the transitory scenes of earth-entered the dark valley 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 135 

of death and disappeared from mortals to enjoy a blissful immortality. 
He was deeply mourned by his relatives and numerous acquaintances 
and by every patriot in our nation. His name is perpetuated in Geor- 
gia by a county being named after him as a tribute of respect for his 
valuable services. 

Dr. Hall was among those who do good for the sake of goodness- 
not to be seen of men and applauded by the world. In person his 
appearance was prepossessing. He was full six feet in height with a 
graceful deportment and benignant countenance. His examples are 
worthy of imitation. Without the luminous talents that tower to the 
skies in a blaze of glory that dazzles every eye-he rendered himself 
substantially and widely useful. He was like a gentle stream that 
passes through a verdant field producing irrigation in its course with- 
out overflowing and tearing up its banks. Decision of character, pru- 
dence in action and discretion in all things marked his whole career. 
Not a stain tarnishes the bright lustre of his public fame or private 
character. He lived nobly and died peacefully. With such men oui 
UNION is safe. 



JOHN HANCOCK. 

The thrilling history of American Independence is ever a subject 
of deep interest to the patriot and philanthropist. It has no parallel 
in the history of nations. Its causes, progress and successful termina- 
tion combine to throw around it a sacred halo that fills the reader with 
wonder and admiration. The noble spirits who planned and achieved 
it command the profoundest respect over the civilized world. As time 
advances that respect is ripening into veneration. The names of the 
signers of the Declaration of Independence, like those of the twelve 
Apostles, are surrounded with a refnlgent glory-unfading and enduring 
as the planetary system. Among them was John Hancock, born near 
Quincy, Mass., in 1737. His father was a clergyman of eminent 
piety, highly esteemed by his parishioners. He died when this son 
was an infant, leaving him under the guardian care of an uncle, who 
bestowed upon him all the attention and tenderness of a father. He 
graduated at Harvard College in 1754, with great credit to himself and 
satisfaction to his numerous friends. 

His uncle was a wealthy and thorough merchant and placed his 
nephew in his counting house that he might add to his collegiate ac- 
quirements a more important acquisition-a knowledge of men and 



13§ THE SAGES AND HEROES 

things. In 1760 he was sent to England-saw the mortal remains of 
George II. laid in the tomb and the crown placed upon the head of hrs 
successor. He continued in the employment of his uncle until 1761, 
who then died, leaving this nephew his entire estate, supposed to be 
the largest of any one in the province at that time. 

John Hancock was long one of the Selectmen of Boston. In 1766 
he was elected to the General Assembly. He there exhibited talents 
of a high order as a statesman, at once gaining the esteem and admi- 
ration of his colleagues. He also gained the particular attention of a 
certain clique, who determined to rule or ruin him. They placed him 
in the crucible of slander, from which he came like gold seven times 
tried-triumphant and unscathed. 

In the Assembly he was uniformly chairman of the most important 
committees. He was also elected speaker but the Governor, jealous 
of his rising popularity and liberal principles, put his veto upon the 
election. 

He was a man of deep thought, general intelligence and strong 
mind. He had thoroughly investigated the laws of God, of nature 
and of man. He well understood that men are endowed by their 
Creator with certain inherent privileges-that they are born equal and 
of right are and should be free. He drank largely at the refreshing 
fountain of liberal principles and was among the first to expose the 
blind and cruel policy of the . British ministers. He contributed 
largely in rousing his fellow sufferers to a sense of impending danger. 

Although deeply interested in commercial business and more exposed 
to the wrath of kingly power than any individual in the province-he 
boldly placed himself at the head of the association prohibiting the im- 
portation of goods from Great Britain. The other provinces caught the 
patriotic fire from these examples and became prepared to act their part 
in the tragic scenes that resulted in the emancipation of the pilgrim 
fathers from monarchical domination. 

As a mark of special attention to this uncompromising patriot, the 
first seizure that was made by the revenue officers under pretence of 
some trivial violation of the laws was one of his vessels. So great was 
the excitement produced by this impolitic transaction, that large num- 
bers were speedily collected to rescue the property. It was placed 
under the guns of an armed ship ready to open a broadside upon any 
who should dare to reclaim the vessel. Th^ populace rose like a 
thunder cloud-rushed to the onset-brought away the vessel-razed to 
the ground some of the buildings occupied by the custom house offi- 
cers and committed to the flames the boat of the collector. For a time 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 137 

this fire was arrested by the strong arm of power but it was never ex- 
tinguished-it was the fire of Liberty. It only required to be fanned 
by that ministerial oppression that ultimately blew it into curling 
flames. 

To prevent the recurrence of a popular outbreak several regiments 
of British troops, with all their loathsome vices fresh upon them, were 
quartered upon the inhabitants. This was like pouring bituminous coal 
tar upon a lurid flame. The independent spirits of Boston were not to 
be awed into subjection. The consequences were tragical. On the 
evening of 5th of March 1770, a party of these soldiers fired upon and 
killed five and wounded others of the citizens who had collected to 
manifest their indignation against those they hated more than they 
feared. Had the town been placed in the terrific cradle of an earth- 
quake and its foundations moved to the centre, the agitation could not 
have been greater. Had it been melting before the burning lava of a 
volcano the commotion could not have been increased. The tolling of 
bells-the groans of the dying and wounded-the shrieks of mothers, 
widows and orphans-the flight of soldiers-the rush of the inhabitants- 
the cry of revenge-popular fury rising into a tornado of vengeance-all 
combined to create a scene of consternation and horror at which ima- 
gination recoils, description quails, sympathy trembles, humanity bleeds. 
It is a commentary, eloquently strong, upon the gross impropriety of 
quartering soldiers upon citizens-of enforcing civil law by military 
force-of invading the sanctity of domestic peace and private enjoy- 
ment. 

On the following day a meeting was called composed of the concen- 
trated talent and virtue of Boston. Strong but discreet resolutions 
were passed. A committee was appointed to wait upon the governor 
to request him to remove the troops from the town, at the head of which 
were Samuel Adams and John Hancock. His excellency at first re- 
fused but finding that discretion was the better part of valor, at once 
ordered the soldiers to the castle. He also gave a pledge that the 
offenders should be arraigned and tried and thus restored transient 
tranquillity. 

The solemn and imposing ceremony of interring those who were 
killed was then performed. Their bodies were deposited in the same 
grave. Tears of sorrow, sympathy, regret and indignation were min- 
gled with the clods as they descended upon the butchered bodies of 
those victims of tyranny. For many years the sad event was com- 
memorated with deep and mournful solemnity. A hymn was sung to 
their memory and the torch of Liberty re-illumed at their tomb. 
18 



138 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

At one of these celebrations during the progress of the Revolution 
John Hancock delivered the address. A few brief extracts will be read 
with interest. 

" Security to the persons and property of the governed is so evi- 
•dently the design of civil government that to attempt a logical demon- 
stration of it would be like burning a taper at noonday to assist the 
sun in enlightening the world. It cannot be either virtuous or honora- 
ble to attempt to support institutions of which this is not the principal 
basis. Some boast of being friends to government. I also am a friend 
to government-to a righteous government, founded upon the principles 
of reason and justice-but I glory in avowing my eternal enmity to 
lyranny." 

He then portrayed vividly the wrongs inflicted by the mother coun- 
try and urged his fellow citizens to vindicate their injured rights. On 
speaking of the massacre his language shows the emotions of his heav- 
ing bosom-the feelings of his noble soul. 

" I come reluctantly to the transactions of that dismal night, when, in 
quick succession we felt the extremes of grief, astonishment and rage- 
when Heaven, in anger, suffered hell to take the reins-when Satan, with 
his chosen band opened the sluices of New England's blood and sacri- 
legiously polluted her land with the bodies of her guiltless sons. Let 
this sad tale be told without a tear-let not the heaving bosom cease to 
burn with a manly indignation at the relation of it through the long 
tracts of future time-let every parent tell the story to his listening chil- 
dren till the tears of pity glistens in their eyes or boiling passion shakes 
their tender frames." 

" Dark and designing knaves-murderous parricides ! how dare you 
tread upon the earth which has drunk the blood of slaughtered innocence 
shed by your hands ! How dare you breathe that air which wafted to 
the ear of Heaven the groans of those who fell a sacrifice to your 
accursed ambition ! ! But if the laboring earth doth not expand her 
jaws-if the air you breathe is not commissioned to be the minister of 
death-yet hear it and tremble ! the eye of Heaven penetrates the darkest 
chambers of the soul and you, though screened from human observation, 
must be arraigned-must lift up your hands, red with the blood of those 
whose death you have procured, at the tremendous bar of God." 

So bold had Mr. Hancock become that the adherents of the crown 
put every plan and artifice in operation that could be devised to injure 
him. His worst enemy, the governor, nominated him to the Council, 
knowing that his acceptance would turn the populace against him. The 
plan was just as feasible as to think of baking griddle cakes on the moon. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 139 

By a prompt refusal he put his enemies to shame and increased the confi- 
dence the patriots reposed in him. He was at this time Captain of 
the Governor's Guard and was immediately removed. His company 
■was composed of the first citizens of Boston. As a testimony of respect 
to him the members promptly dissolved. 

The dread crisis finally came. The war car was put in motion on 
the heights of Lexington. American blood was again shed by British 
soldiers. The people heard the dread clarion of Revolution-multitudes 
rushed to the conflict-the hireling troops fled in confusion-messengers 
of death met them on the whole route-retribution pressed on them at 
every corner-the trees and fences were illuminated with streams of fire 
from the rusty muskets of the native yoemanry and many of Briton's 
proud sons slumbered in their gore on that eventful day. The watch- 
word was then fixed— Liberty or Death. 

On the reception of this news the governor issued his proclamation in 
the name of his most Christian Majesty, George the III. declaring the 
, Province in a state of rebellion but graciously offering a pardon to all 
returning \>Qn\\en{s-excepting John Hancock and Samuel Adams. A 
secret attempt was made to arrest them but was foiled by information 
sent by Gen. Warren. They were preserved to aid in the glorious 
cause they had boldly and nobly espoused and to become shining lights 
in the blue canopy of FREDDOM-bright examples of patriotism for future 
generations. Their proscription by the royal governor endeared them 
still more to the people and their personal friends. They asked no 
pardon-desired no royal favor. 

In 1774 Mr. Hancock was unanimously elected President of the 
Massachussetts Provincial Congress and in 1775 he was called to pre- 
side over the Continental Congress. It was with great diffidence he 
accepted this high mark of esteem, many of its members possessing 
towering talents and were much his seniors in age. He discharged the 
duties of his station with fidelity, great ability and to the satisfaction of 
the members and the country. His was the only name affixed to the 
Declaration of Independence when first published and stands, in bold 
relievo, at the head of the list of that noble band of fearless patriots who 
bearded the BritisJi Lion in his den and drove him from Columbia's soil— 
whose names are enrolled on the historic sunbeams of unfading light, 
there to remain in living brightness to the remotest ages of time. 

Impaired in health and worn down by fatigue, Mr. Hancock resigned 
his responsible station in Congress in October 1777, having presided 
over that body for two and a half years with a credit highly gratifying 
to his numerous friends and advantageous to the cause of human rights. 



140 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Soon after his return he was elected to the convention of his native • 
state to form a constitution for its government. His talents and 
experience v^-ere of great service in aiding to produce a truly republican 
instrument. In 1780 lie was elected the first governor under the new 
constitution and continued to fill the gubernatorial chair five years when 
he resigned. At the expiration of two years he was again elected to 
that oiiice and continued to fill that important station during the 
remainder of his life. 

During his administration there were many difficulties to overcorae- 
many evils to suppress. The devastation of the war had paralyzed 
every kind of business-reduced thousands from affluence to poverty- 
polluted the morals of society and left a heavy debt to be liquidated. 
Conflicting interests were to be reconciled-restless spirits subdued and 
visionary theories exploded. A faction of 12,000 men threatened to 
annihilate the new government. Riots were of frequent occurrence-the 
civil authority was disregarded and it became necessary to call out the 
military to enforce order. By the prudence, decision and wise conduct ' 
of the Governor and those acting under him, all difficulties were 
adjusted-the clamor of the people hushed-order restored and but few 
lives sacrificed at the shrine of treason. 

By his firm and determined course the Governor incurred the dis- 
pleasure of many prominent men for a time-but when reason resumed 
her station and prosperity alleviated the burdens that had been so 
strongly felt, their better judgment gained the ascendency, the sour 
feelings of party spirit lost their rancor-admiration and esteem for his 
sterUng virtues and useful talents-the long and arduous services he 
had rendered his State and country-disarmed his enemies of their 
resentment and produced uniform love and respect. None but those 
who then lived can fully appreciate the Alpine barriers the patriots 
had to surmount to preserve the Independence they achieved and 
reduce to practice the long nursed vision of a Republican goverimient. 
To recount them would require a volume. Let them slumber in the 
shades of oblivion. 

Gov. Hancock was strongly in favor of the adoption of the Federa-. 
Constitution and left his sick bed in the last week of the session of the 
Assembly and did much by his advice and influence to induce his State 
to sanction that important instrument of confederation which has thus 
far withstood the assaults of demagogues-the thunder gusts of parly 
spirit and held us in the bonds of Union, strength and power. Para- 
lyzed be that arm that would cut the smallest fibre of the cord of our 
UNION. Silenced be that voice that would whisper the word disso- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 141 

lulian even to a zephyr. If we are true to ourselves we are destined 
to become the greatest nation known to history. We are appointed 
by the sages and heroes of the Revolution executors in perpetual suc- 
cession of tlie richest estate ever bequeathed to a nation-LiBERXY in 
its pristine purity. Let us see well to its preservation that when we 
meet the testators in the realms of bliss, we may find our account 
approved and passed in the high court of heaven. 

John Hancock lived to see prosperity shed the benignant rays of 
happiness over the broad expanse of the infant republic. He saw her 
institutions, laws, trade, manufactures, commerce, agriculture-all based 
on the firm pillars of purchased freedom and eternal justice. His 
Pierian vision was reduced to a happy reality-he could then die peace- 
ful and happy. 

His ill health continued until the 8th of October 1793 when sud- 
denly and unexpectedly his soul left earth and returned to Him who 
gave it to join the kindred spirits that had gone before and entered 
upon the untried realities of the eternal world. 

Governor Hancock M^'as a man of elegant person and accomplish- 
ments-amiable and pure in all the private relations of life-highly 
honorable in all his actions-a polished gentleman in his manners- 
fashionable in his dress and style of living-charitable and liberal-a 
friend to the poor-a visitor of the widow and orphan-diligent in busi- 
ness-open and frank in his disposition-a faithful companion-a con- 
sistent patriot-an honest man. 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 

Coolness, united with sound discretion, deep penetration, wisdom 
to plan and energy to execute, is an important quality. In times of 
high excitement it is indispensably necessary in those who wield the 
destiny of a community. When the fires of passion, burning in the 
bosoms of an enraged multitude, unite in one cyclopean volume, the 
mental rod of cooling discretion is necessary to regulate, guide and 
direct it to a proper destination. If all were alike charged with boiling 
desperation in times when angry commotions disturb the public peace, 
the holiest cause would lose its efficacy and be overwhelmed by the 
murky waters of fell revenge. The cool deliberations of the first 
Continental Congress, writhing under the lash of oppression, shed 
upon it a lustre that attracted the admiration of a gazing world, the 
smiles of angels and the approval of Heaven. The mother country 



142 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

was left without an excuse or just reason for the continuation of her 
suicidal course. To the cool and discreet conduct of the Sages and 
Heroes of the American Revolution we may attribute the liberty 
we now enjoy. 

No one among them demonstrated more fully this quality combined 
with firmness of purpose and boldness of action than Benjamin Har- 
rison a native of Berkley, Virginia, supposed to have been born about 
1730, the precise time not being a matter of record. His family de- 
scended from a near relative of Gen. Harrison, a bold leader in the 
revolution of the English Commonwealth who was sacrificed on the 
scaffold for his liberal principles. This relative settled in Surrey, Vir- 
ginia, about 1640. His descendants sustained the high reputation of 
their ancestors and filled many important stations in the colony. It is 
recorded of Benjamin Harrison, son of the ancestor that located in 
Surrey, that "he did justice, loved mercy and walked humbly with 
his God," leaving a memento of character that forms the crowning 
excellence of human attainments. Benjamin Harrison, the father of 
young Benjamin now under review, was killed by lightning with two 
of his daughters. At that time this son was prosecuting his stiidies 
at the college of William and Mary where he finished his education 
at an early age. Before he arrived at his majority he had the manage- 
ment of a large estate left him by his father. As good sense dictated 
and as in duty bound, he shortly after married Elizabeth, the accom- 
plished daughter of Col. William Bassett and niece to Lady Wash- 
ington. She possessed all the high requisites of a wife. 

Before he arrived at the age then required by law, he was elected 
to the House of Burgesses and became a leading member. His talents 
were of the peculiar kind calculated to lead without an apparent de- 
sire to command. His magic wand was sound discretion coolly and 
firmly exercised, enlivened by a good humor and sprightliness that 
mellowed his otherwise stern qualities. Wielding a powerful influence, 
the creatures of the crown were particularly courteous to him just 
previous to the revolution and proposed to confer upon him the highest 
official dignity in the colony-except governor-who must be a native 
of the mother country. Mr. Harrison was too republican and far 
seeing to be caught in the silken web of ministerial intrigue or royal 
cunning. With all his wealth and influence he was a plain common 
sense man opposed to the pomp of courts and the flourish of high, 
pretensions. He went for his country and the people. He scorned to 
be the hireling or slave of a king. As early as 1764 he was on the 
committee in the House of Burgesses that prepared an address to the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 143 

crown, a memorial to the House of Lords and a remonstrance to the 
House of Commons of Great Britain predicated upon the Virginia 
Resohitions anticipating the odious Stamp Act. These documents as 
reported were then too hard metal in view of a majority in the House 
and were transmuted to soft solder by the process of political alchemy 
well understood by the creatures of the king. The time rolled on 
rapidly when hard metal was made the order of the day. As British 
oppression increased Virginia indignation kindled to a flame that 
illuminated the old Doniinion to its utmost bounds. Mr. Harrison 
was a member of the convention that met at Williamsburg on the 1st 
of August 1774 and passed a series of strong resolutions in favor of 
equal rights-sanctioned the measures of opposition adopted by New 
England and appointed seven delegates to the general Congress, Mr. 
Harrison being one. The benefits resulting from the labors of that 
Congress may not now be apparent to many young readers as a deaf 
ear was turned to the dignified proceedings by the mother country. 
They were twofold. 1. The true position of the two countries was 
clearly defined and held up to the world leaving England without au 
excuse for her subsequent course. 2. A personal acquaintance and 
free interchange of views served to establish mutual confidence and 
produced a concert of action between the colonies. 

On the 20th of March 1775 Mr. Harrison was a member of the 
convention that met at Richmond and passed the bold resolutions 
otFered by Patrick Henry. Many had the royal film removed from 
their eyes at that time and came to the rescue. Anticipating the ap- 
pointment of delegates to a second Congress, Lord Dunmore issued 
his proclamation forbidding the procedure affecting to treat the con- 
vention as a mere bagatelle. Royal proclamations had lost their 
original efficacy. The delegates were elected, among whom was Mr. 
Harrison. He repaired to his post which was then more imposing 
than the year preceeding. A crisis had arrived big with consequences. 
Amidst the flashes and roar of the gathering storm cool deliberation 
pervaded his bosom. Mr. Randolph, the President of the first Con- 
gress being absent, Mr. Hancock was elected to fill the vacancy. 
When his name was announced he seemed overcome with a modest 
diffidence and did not move. Mr. Harrison took him in his gigantic 
arms and placed him in the chair saying-" We will show mother Bri- 
tain how little we care for her-by making a Massachusetts man our 
President whom she has excluded from pardon by public proclama- 
tion." 

Action-noble and god-like action became the order of that eventful 



144 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

era. Each gale from the north brought tidings of fresh outrages and 
increasing aggressions on the part of mother Britain. Congress pre- 
pared for the worst although many of the members turned a wilHng ear 
to the siren song of peace. Mr. Harrison was one of the committee 
appointed to devise ways and means for defence and to organize the 
mihtia throughout the colonies that were represented. After laboring 
arduously for a month the plan of mihtary operations was reported that 
carried the American Colonies through the war. Mr. Harrison was the 
military man of Congress. He had the unlimited confidence of Wash- 
ington. In September of that year he was one of the committee of three 
to consult with the Commander-in-chief and with the authorities of the 
regenerated colonies relative to a preparation for vigorous action. On, 
the 29th of INovember he was made chairman of the committee of five 
to take charge of the foreign correspondence. On the 2d of December 
he was sent to Maryland to aid in organizing a naval armament to repel 
the predatory warfare of Lord Dunmore along the shores of the Chesa- 
peake. On the 17th of January 1776 he laid before Congress a plan for 
the recruiting service which was adopted. On the 21st of the same 
month he was placed upon the committee to organize the War Depart- 
ment. On the 23d he went to New York with Messrs. Lynch and 
Allen to aid Gen. Lee in devising plans and means of defence and 
for erecting fortifications upon the two confluent rivers. On his return 
he was placed on the committee for organizing the military departments 
of the middle and southern Colonies. On the 6th of March he was 
placed on the Marine Standing Committee-bestowing on him labor in 
proportion to his physical as well as mental powers. He was found 
equal to the task imposed. 

On the 26th of March 1776 Congress published a full preface to the 
Declaration of Independence, setting forth the contempt with which the 
petitions, remonstrances and appeals for relief had been treated-portray- 
ing in lively colors the constitutional and chartered rights of the Ameri- 
can people and the manner they were trampled under foot and steeped 
in blood by British hirelings. The same document authorised the 
colonies to fit out vessels of war to meet the mistress of the seas on her 
own element. Mr. Harrison was chairman of a committee to select 
and have fortified one or more ports for the protection of these vessels 
and such prizes as they might take. In May he was made chairman of 
the committee on the Canada expedition. After consulting Generals 
Washington, Gates and Mifflin, he laid a plan of operations before Con- 
gress which was adopted. On the 2Glh of the same month he was made 
chairman of a commiitee of fourteen to confer with the general officers 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 145 

of the army relative to the plan of operations for the ensuing campaign. 
When matured he laid it before Congress and during its consideration 
was chairman of the committee of the whole. With slight amend- 
ments the report was adopted. On the 15th of June he was made 
chairman of the Board of War and continued in that important station 
until he retired from Congress. In his discharge of its duties Judge 
Peters remarks of him-" He was chairman when I entered upon the duties 
assigned me in the War Department. This gave me an opportunity of 
observing his firmness, good sense and usefulness in deliberation and in 
critical situations and much use indeed was required of these qualities 
when everything around was lowering and terrific." 

Mr. Harrison became very popular as chairman of the committee of 
the whole. If in the House he uniformly presided when important ques- 
tions were under consideration. He was in the chair during the discus- 
sion of the Declaration of Independence. He presented the resolution 
that recommended the formal preparation of that sacred document and 
on the glorious 4th of July 1776 sealed his heart felt approval with his 
vote and signature. At the thrilhng moment when the members were 
signing what many called their death warrant, as the slender Mr. Gerry 
finished his signature Mr. Harrison pleasantly remarked to him " when 
the hanging scene commences I shall have all the advantage over you. 
It will all be over with me in a minute but you will be kicking in the 
air half an hour after I am gone." During the protracted discussions 
upon the Articles of Confederation Mr. Harrison was uniformly in the 
chair. From August to the 5th of November he was engaged in the 
service of his own state in the formation of the new government when 
he again returned to his place. He was one of the committee to advise 
in the movements of the northern army. When the members of Con- 
gress were compelled to fly from Baltimore to Lancaster, where they 
remained but one day and from there to York, Pa. he remained firm at 
his post. The enemies of Liberty predicted a final dissolution but proved 
false prophets. They even reported that Mr. Harrison was about to 
desert the American cause. His coolness and deliberation were often 
made useful in softening down hasty and harsh propositions. When the 
question was agitated relative to punishing the Quakers he interfered in 
their behalf In after life one of them often remarked of him-" He saved 
us from persecution. He had talents to perceive the right and firmness 
enough to pursue it however violently opposed." 

At the close of 1777 Mr. Harrison resigned his seat in Congress and 
returned to the bosom of his family. No one member had performed 
more labor than him-no one was more highly esteemed and honored. 
19 



146 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

He was emphatically a working man-a colossus in the cause of liberty 
and human rights. He returned home to enjoy repose. This was of bu* 
short duration. He was immediately elected to the Virginia Legislature 
and made -Speaker, which station he ably filled for five consecutive years. 
During that period the revolutionary storm spent its fury upon the Old 
Dominion. The traitor Arnold and the tyrant Cornwallis were tinging 
its streams and saturating its soil with the blood of its noble sons. Fire, 
sword, murder, rapine, ruin and destruction marked their savage course. 
Her legislature was driven from Richmond to Charlotteville-to Staunton- 
to the Warm Springs and found but a transient rest at either place. 
During these rapid removes Mr. Harrison remained cool, collected and 
firm and was prolific in the best measures to ward off impending dangers. 
He did much to rouse the people to action and dispel the terrors of their 
minds. He knew no " fugitive fear"-the assertion of another writer to 
the contrary notwithstanding and without any foundation in fact, for the 
purpose of raising his own hero above his proper level by climbing upon 
the shoulders of the towering reputation of Mr. Harrison. This fictitious 
capital will not answer even at this late day. Records speak for the 
dead in a voice that paralyzes the slanderer like the hand writing that 
shook the sturdy frame of Belshazzar. 

In 1782 Mr. Harrison was elected Governor of Virginia and assumed 
a herculean task. The recent devastations of the British army aided 
by tories who remained on the soil, had thrown everything into one 
chaotic mass. He entered upon the discharge of his duties with an 
energy that showed no " fugitive fear" and became one of the most 
popular chief magistrates that ever filled the gubernatorial chair of 
the Old Dominion. He was re-elected twice and was then inelhgible 
by the constitution and once more sought retirement, Without his 
knowledge or consent he was immediately after nominated for the le- 
gislature and for the first time defeated. This was effected by a cun- 
ning device of his opponent. When Governor he had ordered the 
militia to level the embankments at Yorktown which was the first and 
last unpopular act of his life. This was the political hobby-horse on 
which his opponent gained the race. Mr. Harrison removed into the 
adjoining county of Surry and was returned to the same Legislature 
with his successful competitor. To add to the chagrin of his oppo- 
nents he was elected Speaker of the House. Before the year expired 
he was urged to return to his former residenee. Old age and declining 
health induced him to permanently retire from public life. 

In 1788 he was a member of the Convention of his State to which 
the Federal Constitution was submitted and was chairman of the first 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 147 

committee — that of privileges and elections. He opposed the docu- 
ment in some of its details as being too indefinite in definmg the 
powers of the General and State Governments but approved U as a 
whole with certain amendments that were returned with it. So strong 
was the opposition to its adoption by nearly half of the delegates that 
this large minority held a private meeting in the night for the purpose 
of adopting plans of opposition that were calculated to produce the 
most fatal consequences. Fortunately this cool and deliberate patri- 
arch of Liberty gained admittance and prevailed upon them to submit 
to the majority of nine and pursue the legal remedy for obtaining 
amendments after it became the law of the land. This noble and 
patriotic act formed the crowning glory of his public career. 

In 1790 he was nominated for Governor but declined serving and 
used his utmost influence in favor of Mr. Randolph and induced his 
own son to vote against him who was a member of the House which 
elected the Chief Magistrate. Mr. Randolph was unpopular with 
some of the members who were confident of defeating him could they 
prevail upon Mr. Harrison to consent to be used as a party man. His 
Roman integrity and influence prevailed and Mr. Randolph was made 
Governor. 

During the next year his health declined rapidly. Shortly after his 
unanimous election to the Legislature he was prostrated by a severe 
attack of the gout which terminated his long- and useful life in April 
1791, leaving a large family of children to mourn the loss of a kind 
father-his country to lament the exit of a favorite son and noble 
patriot. He was the father of the late President Harrison who sur- 
vived just one month after his inauguration. 

Mr. Harrison was a man of great muscular power-above the mid- 
dle height, graceful but plain in his manners with an intelligent coun- 
tenance indicating strength of mind and decision of character. During 
the latter part of his life he became quite corpulent in consequence 
of a quiet mind and good dinners. His private character was above 
reproach. His wit and humor made him a pleasant companion-his 
intelligence and good sense made him an instructive one. His cool 
head, good heart, sound judgment and agreeable temperament made 
him an important public servant just suited to the times in which he 
lived. Were all our legislators of the present day like him-fanaticism 
and ultraism could not flourish-our UNION would be safe. 



148 THE SAGES AND HEROES 



JOHN HART. 

No occupation is so well calculated to rivet upon the heart a love of 
country as that of agriculture. No profession is more honorable-but 
few are as conducive to health and above all others it insures peace, 
tranquillity and happiness. A calling independent in its nature- 
it is calculated to produce an innate love of Liberty. The farmer 
stands upon a lofty eminence and looks upon the bustle of mechanism, 
the din of commerce and the multiform perplexities of the various lite- 
rary professions, with feelings of personal freedom unknown to them. 
He acknowledges the skill and indispensable necessity of the first-the 
enterprise and usefulness of the second-lhe wide spread benefits of the 
last-then turns his mind to the pristine quiet of his agrarian domain 
and covets not the fame that clusters around them all. His opportuni- 
ties for intellectual improvement are superior to the two first and in 
many respects not inferior to the last. Constantly surrounded by the 
varied beauties of nature and the never ceasing harmonious operation 
of her laws-his mind is led to contemplate the wisdom of the great 
Architect of worlds. The philosophy of the universe is constantly pre- 
senting new phases to his enraptured view. Aloof from the commov- 
ing arena of public life but made acquainted with what is passing there 
through the medium of the magic PRESs-he is able to form deliberate 
opinions upon the various topics that concern the good and glory of his 
country. In his retired domicil he is less exposed to that coiTupt and 
corrupting party spirit that is raised by the whirlwind of selfish ambi- 
tion and often rides on the tornado of faction. Before he is roused to a 
participation in violent commotions he hears much, reflects deeply, re- 
solves nobly. When the oppression of rulers becomes so intolerable 
as to induce the yeomanry of a country to leave their ploughs and 
peaceful firesides and draw the avenging sword-let them beware and 
know the day of retribution is at hand. 

Thus it was at the commencement of the American Revolution. 
When the implements of husbandry were exchanged for those of war 
and the farmers joined in the glorious cause of Liberty, the fate of 
England's power over the Colonies was hermetically sealed. The con- 
centrated phalanx of commingling professions was irresistible as an 
avalanche in the full plenipotence of force. 

Among the patriots of that eventful era who left their ploughs ana 
rushed to the rescue was John Hart, born at Hopewell, Hunterdon 
County, N. J. about the year 1715. The precise time of his birth is 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 149 

not a matter of record-his acts in the cause of Liberty are. He was 
the son of Edward Hart, a brave and efficient officer who aided the 
mother country in the conquest of Canada and participated in the epic 
laurels that were gained by Wolfe on the heights of Abraham. He 
raised a volunteer corps under the cognomen of Jersey Blues-an ap- 
pellation still the pride of Jerseymen. He fought valiantly and was 
recompensed with praise-not the gold of the mother country. John 
Hart was an extensive farmer, a man of strong mind improved by 
reading and reflection, ever ambitious to excel in his profession. In 
Deborah Scudder he found an amiable and faithful wife. In the affec- 
tions and good conduct of a liberal number of sons and daughters he 
found an enjoyment which bachelors may affect to disdain but for which 
they often sigh. Eden's fair bowers were dreary until Heaven's first 
best gift to man was there. 

Known as a man of sound judgment, clear perception, liberal views 
and pure motives, John Hart was called to aid in public business long 
before the Revolution. For twenty years he had served in various 
stations and was often a member of the legislature. He took a deep 
interest in the local improvements necessary in a new country. He 
was a warm advocate for education, was liberal in donations to semi- 
naries of learning. He was a friend to social order and did much to 
produce an equilibrium in the scales of justice. In organizing the mu- 
nicipal government of his county he rendered essential service. He 
looked on public business as a duty to to be performed when required- 
not as a political hobby-horse to ride upon. The public men of that 
day said but little. They despatched business promptly with an eye 
single to the general good. Sinecures were unknown-office hunters 
few and far between. Industry, frugality and economy in public and 
private matters were marked characteristics of the pilgrim fathers. 
Golden days ! when will ye return in the majesty of your innocence 
and banish from our land the enervating follies, the poisonous weeds, 
the impugning evils that augur the destruction of our far famed 
Republic. 

Mr. Hart was quick to discern the encroachments of the British 
ministry upon the chartered and constitutional rights of the colonies 
and prompt to resist them. The passage of the Stamp Act on the 22d 
of March 1765 was followed by a commotion that indicated a slender 
tenure of kingly power in America. This odious Act was repealed on 
the 18th of March 1776. But the ministerial alchemists were madl.y 
bent on new experiments. The colonists had borne the yoke of artful 
and increasing restrictions upon their trade and industry for fifty years. 



150 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

It was presumed iheir necks were hardened so as to bear a heavier 
burden. Deluded alchemists-they little understood the kind of meta. 
put in their crucible. Direct taxation without representation was no 
part of the English constitution. This violation could not be tamely 
submitted to. The second edition of the revenue plan revised and ste- 
reotyped in 1767 by Charles Townshend, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 
imposing a duty on glass, paper, pasteboard, tea and painters' colors- 
kindled a flame in the Colonies that no earthly power could quench. 
Public meetings against the measure-resolutions of the deepest censure, 
remonstrances of the strongest character, arguments of the most con- 
clusive logic were hurled back upon the ministry. Boston harbor was 
converted into a teapot and all the tea afloat used at one drawing. 
Non-importation agreements, committees of safety, preparations for 
defence, non-intercourse, bloodshed, war and Independence followed. 
In all these movements Mr. Hart concurred and firmly opposed the en- 
croachments of the crown. 

In 1774 he was elected to Congress and entered upon the high 
duties of his station with a deep sense of the responsibilities that rested 
upon that body at that particular time. Mild, deliberate, cautious, dis- 
creet and firm in his purposes-he became an important member in 
carrying out the measures then contemplated-reconciliation and a 
restoration of amity. On the 10th of May 1775 he again took his 
place in Congress. The cry of blood, shed on the 19th of the pre- 
ceding April at Lexington, had infused a spirit among the members 
widely different from that which pervaded their minds at the previous 
meeting. It was then that the cool deliberation of such men as Mr. 
Hart was indispensable. Tiie ardor and impetuosity of youth had 
passed away-propositions and arguments were placed in the balance 
of reason. Causes, effects, objects, ends, plans, means, consequences- 
all were put in the scales of justice and honestly weighed. In this 
manner every act was performed with clean hands, the cause of Liberty 
honored, prospered and crowned with triumphant success. At this 
time Mr. Hart was a member and Vice President of the Assembly of 
New Jersey and shortly after had the proud satisfaction of aiding m 
the funeral obsequies of the old government and joined in the festivi- 
ties of forming a new one upon the broad platform of republicanism. 

On the 14th of February 1776 he was again elected to the Conti 
nental Congress and when the Chart of Liberty was presented he care- 
fully examined its bold physiognomy-pronounced its points, features, 
landmarks, delineations and entire combinations wortliy of freemen 
gave it his vote, his signature and his benediction. At the close of th* 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 151 

session he retired from public life and declined a re-election. As he 
anticipated, the British drove away his family, destroyed his property 
and after he returned hunted him from place to place and several 
times had him so nearly cornered that his escape seemed impossible. 
His exposure in eluding the pursuit of the relentless foe brought on 
illness that terminated his life in 1780. He was a worthy member of 
the Baptist church-a devoted Christian-an honest man. 



PATRICK HENRY. 

Genius is one of the indefinable attributes of man. We may think, 
see, talk and write upon this noble quality, rehearse its triumphant 
achievements, its magic wonders, its untiring efforts-but what is 
genius ? that's the question-one that none but pedants will attempt to 
answer. The thing, the moving cause, the modus operandi can no 
more be comprehended and reduced to materiality than the spirit that 
animates our bodies. The man who can do this can analyze the tor- 
nado, put the thunder cloud in his breeches pocket and quaff lightning 
for a beverage. Metaphysicians, physiologists and craniologists may 
put on their robes of mystery, arm each eye with a microscope, each 
finger with the acutest phrenological sensibility, whet up all their men- 
tal powers to the finest keenness, strain their imagination to its utmost 
tension, tax specnlation one hundred per cent, and then call to their 
aid the brightest specimens of this occult power-the combined force 
could not weave a web and label it genius that would not be an insult 
to common sense. Genius is the essential oil of mental power. No 
frost can freeze it, no fog can mildew it, no heat can paralyze it, no 
potentate can crush it. In all countries and climes it springs up spon- 
taneously but flourishes most luxuriantly and attains a more perfect 
symmetry and greater strength when nurtured by intelligence and free- 
dom. So versatile is this concentrated essence of mental power that 
we can form no rule to pre-deterraine its personal locality, its time 
of development, its measure of strength or the extent of its orbit. 
Like a blazing meteor-it bursts suddenly upon us as in the darkness 
of night, illuminating the world and like the lightning thunder bolt- 
shivers every obstacle that stands in its way. 

Thus it was with Patrick Henry born at Studley, Hanover County. 
Virginia, on the 29th of May 1736. His father was a highly reputa- 
ble Txian of Scotch descent-his mother was the sister of Judge Wins- 
ton who was justly celebrated as an eloquent speaker. During hi» 



152 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

childhood and youth Patrick was remarkable for indolence and a love 
Df recreation. He arrived at manhood with a limited education an<l 
ignorant of all occupations. His mind was not cultivated, his native 
talents were not developed, his genius was not awakened until after he 
was a husband and a father. His friends vainly endeavored to pui 
him on a course of application to business by setting him up in the 
mercantile line. Prefering his fishing rod and gun to measuring tape 
he soon failed. Finding himself bankrupt he concluded that the in- 
creasing troubles of his pilgrimage were too numerous to bear alone. 
He married the daughter of a respectable planter and became a tiller 
of the ground. Unacquainted with this new vocation he soon 
swamped in the quagmire of adversity. He then gibed, put his helm 
hard up and tacked to the mercantile business. Still he was unfortu- 
nate. Poverty claimed him as a favorite son and bestowed upon him 
special attention. An increasing family needed increased means of 
support. Creditors had the assurance to shower duns upon him and 
cruelly reduced hitn to misery and want. He then conceived the idea 
of studying law. For the first time he felt most keenly the waste of 
time in his childhood and youth. He saw many of his age who had 
ascended high on the ladder of fame whose native powers of mmd he 
knew to be inferior to his. He bent his whole energies to study and 
in six weeks after he commenced was admitted to the Bar, more as a 
compliment to his respectable connexions and his destitute situation 
than from the knowledge he had obtained of the abstruse science of 
law during the brief period he had been engaged in its investigation. 
Folded in the coils of extreme want for the three ensuing years he 
made but slight advances in his profession. He obtained the necessa- 
ries of life by aiding his father-in-law at a tavern bar instead of 
being at the Bar of the court. He was still ardently attached to his 
gun. He often took his knapsack of provisions and remained in the 
woods several days and nights. On his return he would enter the 
court in his coarse and blood stained hunting dress-take up his causes 
-carry them through with astonishing adroitness and finally gained a 
popular reputation as an advocate. 

In 1764 he was employed in a case of contested election tried at 
Richmond, which introduced him among the fashionable and gay 
whose dress and maimers formed a great contrast with his. He made 
no preparation to meet his learned and polished adversaries. As he 
moved awkwardly among them, some, who were squinting at him and 
his coarse apparel, suppossed him no7i compos mentis. When the case 
was tried the audience and court were electrified by his torrent of 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 153 

)jative eloquence and lucid logic. Judges Tyler and Winston who 
were upon the bench declared they had never before witnessed so 
happy and powerful an effort in point of sublime rhetoric and conclu- 
sive argument. The towering genius of Patrick Henry then burst 
from embryo into blooming life. From that time his fame spread its 
expansive wings and soared far above those of gayer plumage but of 
less strength. A lucrative practice banished want, sunshine friends 
returned and flashed around him, he leaped upon the flood tide of pros- 
perity. From his childhood he had been a close observer of human 
nature-the only germ of genius visible in his juvenile character. He 
had studiously cultivated this important attribute which was of great 
advantage to him through life. So familiar had he become with the 
propensities and operations of the mind that he comprehended all its 
intricacies, impulses and variations. This gave him a great advantage 
over many of his professional brethren who had studied Greek and 
Latin more but human nature less than this self-made man. He took 
a deep and comprehensive view of the causes that impel men to action 
and of the results produced by the multifarious influences that control 
them. He grasped the designs of creation, the duty of man to his 
fellow and his God, the laws of nature, reason and revelation and 
became a bold advocate for liberty of conscience, equal rights and 
universal freedom. From the expansive view he had taken of the 
rights of man, the different forms of government, the oppression of 
kings, the policy pursued by the mother country towards the Ameri- 
can colonies, he was fully convinced that to be great and happy a 
nation must be free and independent. With the eye of a statesman 
he had viewed the increasing oppression of the crown. They had 
reached his noble soul and roused that soul to action. Patrick Henry 
first charged the revolutionary ball with patriotic fire in Virginia and 
gave it an impetus that gathered force as it rolled onward. 

In 1765 he was elected to the Assembly and at once took a bold 
decisive stand against British oppression. He introduced resolutions 
against the Stamp Act that were so pointed and bold as to alarm many 
of the older members although they admitted the truth and justice of 
the sentiments expressed. They had not his genius to design or his 
moral courage to execute. To impart a share of these to them and 
allay the palpitations of their trembling hearts was the province of 
this young champion of freedom. In this he succeeded-his resolutions 
were passed. Each was drawn from the translucent fountain of eter- 
nal justice-based upon equity and law and within the orbit of Magna 
20 



154 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Charta that had been the polar star of the Enghsh governmenl ever 
since the 19th of June 1215. Read them and judge. 

" Resolved-That the first adventurers and settlers of this his ma- 
jesty's colony and dominion brought with them and transmitted to 
their posterity and all other his majesty's subjects since inhabiting in 
this his majesty's said colony-all the privileges, franchises and immu- 
nities that have at any time been held, enjoyed and possessed by the 
people of Great Britain. 

"Resolved-That by two royal charters granted by King James I. 
the colonies aforesaid are declared entitled to all the privileges, liber- 
ties and immunities of denizens and natural born subjects to allinteuts 
and purposes as if they had been born and abiding within the realm 
of England. 

"Resolved-That the taxation of the people by themselves or by 
persons chosen by themselves to represent them who can only knov 
what taxes the people are able to bear and the easiest mode of raising 
them and are equally affected by such taxes themselves, is the distin- 
guishing characteristic of British freedom and without which the an- 
cient constitution cannot subsist. 

" Resolved-That his majesty's liege people of this most ancient colony 
have uninterruptedly enjoyed the right of being thus governed by their 
own Assembly in the article of their taxes and internal police and that 
the same hath never been forfeited or in any other way given up but 
hath been constantly recognized by the king's people of Great Britain. 

"Resolved therefore-That the General Assembly of this colony has 
the sole right and power to lay taxes and impositions upon the inhabj- 
tants of this colony and that any attempt to vest such power in any 
person or persons whosoever othe'* than the General Assembly afore- 
said has a manifest tendency to destroy British as well as American 
freedom." 

The cringing sycophants of a corrupt and corrupting ministry could 
not-dare not deny the correctness of these resolutions. They were 
hailed by every patriot as the firm pillars of American liberty. They 
were based upon the well defined principles of the English constitution 
and confined within the limits of tiie ancient landmarks of that sacred 
instrument. They were enforced by the overwhelming eloquence and 
logic of Mr. Henry and seconded by the cool deep calculating John- 
son, who sustained them by arguments and conclusions that carried 
conviction and conversion to the minds of many who were poising on 
the agonizing pivot of hesitation a few moments before. Some mem- 
bers opposed them who subsequently espoused the cause of equal rights 



OF THE AMERICAN REV0LUT10x\. Ir55 

With great /igor. This opposition brought out in fuller, riclier fuhage 
the genius of the mover. He stood among the great in all the subli- 
mity of his towering intellect the acknowledged champion of that legis- 
lative hall which he had but recently entered. Astonishment and 
dehght held his electrified audience captive as he painted the increas- 
ing infringements of the hirelings of the crown in bold and glowing 
colors. He presented in perspective the torrents of blood and seas of 
trouble through which the colonists had waded to plant themselves in 
the new world. With his paralyzing finger he pointed to the chains 
forged by tyranny already clanking upon every ear with a terrific 
sound. To be free or slaves was the momentous question. He was 
prepared and determined to unfold the banner of LiBERXY-drive from 
his native soil the task-masters of mother Britain or perish in the 
attempt. His opponents were astounded and found it impossible to 
stem the mighty current of popular feeling put in motion by the gigan- 
tic powers of this bold advocate of right. The resolutions passed amidst 
cries of treason from the \.ov\es- Liberty or death from the patriots. The 
seeds of freedom were deeply planted on that day and Old Virginia 
proved a congenial soil for their growth. From that time Patrick 
Henry was hailed as one of the great advocates of human rights and 
rational liberty. He stood on the loftiest pinnacle of fame, unmoved 
and unscathed by the fire of persecution calmly surveying the raging 
elements of the revolutionary storm in boiling commotion around him. 
In August 1774 a Convention met at Williamsburg and passed a 
series of resolutions pledging support to the eastern Colonies in the 
common cause against the common enemy. Peyton Randolph, Rich- 
ard Henry Lee, George Washington, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harri- 
son, Edmund Pendleton and Patrick Henry were appointed delegates 
to the general Congress. On the 4th of September this august assem- 
bly of patriotic sages met in Carpenter's Hall at the city of Philadel- 
phia. The object for which they had met was one of imposing and 
thrilling interest, big with events, absorbing in character and vast in 
importance. The eyes of gazing millions were turned upon them-the 
burning wrath of the king was flashing before them-the anathema of 
the ministers was pronounced against them. But they still resolved to 
go on. The hallowed cause of freedom impelled them to action. 
After an address to the God of Hosts imploring his guidance the pro- 
ceedings opened by appointing Peyton Randolph of Virginia President. 
A deep and solemn silence ensued. Each member seemed to appeal 
to Heaven for aid and direction. At length Patrick Henry rose in all 
the majesty of his greatness. Echo lingered to catch a sound. Like 



156 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

a colossal statue there he stood and surveyed the master spirits around 
him-his countenance solemn as eternity. O, my God ! what a moment 
of agonizing suspense ! His lips opened-his stentorian voice oroke the 
painful silence-respiration regained its freedom-the hall was illumi- 
nated with patriotic fire. With the eloquence of Demosthenes, the 
philosophy of Socrates, the justice of Aristides and the patriotism of 
Cincinnatus he took a bold, broad, impartial and comprehensive view 
of the past, present and future-held up to the light the relations between 
the mother country and the Colonies-unveiled the dark designs of the 
corrupt unprincipled ministry-exposed their unholy claims to wield an 
iron sceptre over America-demonstrated clearly that their ulterior ob- 
ject was the slavery of the people and extortion of money and painted 
a nation's rights and a nation's wrongs in flaming colors of lurid bright- 
ness. The dignity and calmness of his manner, the clearness of his 
logic, the force of his arguments, the power of his eloquence, the 
solemnity of his countenance and voice-combined to inspire an awe 
and deep toned feeling until then unknown to the astonished audience. 
His elevation of thought seemed supernatural and purified by divinity. 
He seemed commissioned by the great Jehovah to rouse his country- 
men to a sense of impending danger. He sat down amidst repeated 
bursts of applause the acknowledged Demosthenes of the new world- 
the most powerful orator of America. 

In March 1775 he was a member of the Virginia Convention that 
convened at Richmond, where he proposed resolutions to adopt imme- 
diate measures of defence sufficient to repel any invasion by the mother 
country. In these he was strongly opposed by several influential mem- 
bers who were still disposed to cringe to royal power. Reeking with 
wrongs and insolence as it was, he held that power in utter contempt. 
His dauntless soul soared above the trappings of a crown backed by 
bayonets and sought for rest only in the goal of freedom. The follow- 
ing extract from his speech on that thrilling occasion will best convey 
the tone of his emotions-deeply felt and strongly told. His overwhelm- 
ing eloquence we can but faintly imagine. 

*' Mr. President-It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of 
hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth and listen to 
the songs of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part 
of wise men engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty 1 Are 
we disposed to be of the number of those, who, having eyes see not 
and having ears hear not the things that so nearly concern their tem- 
poral salvation ? For my part whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, 
I am willing to know the whole truth-to know the worst and provide 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 157 

for it. I have but one lamp to guide my feet and that is the lamp of 
experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. I 
wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British minis- 
try for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen 
are pleased to solace themselves and the House? Is it that insidious 
smile with which our petition has lately been received 1 Trust it not 
sir-it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be 
betrayed by a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of 
your petition comports with those warlike preparations that. cover our 
waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a 
work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwil- 
ling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? 
Let us not deceive ourselves sir. These are the implements of war 
and subjugation-the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gen- 
tlemen, sir, what means this mortal array if its purpose be not to force 
us to submission ? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for 
it? Has Great Britain any enemy in this quarter of the world to call 
for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No sir-she has none. 
They are meant for us, they can be meant for no other. They are sent 
over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry 
have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them ? 
Shall we try argument ? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten 
years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject ? Nothing. 
We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable but 
it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble suppli- 
cation ? What terms shall we find that have not already been ex- 
hausted ? Let us not, I beseech you sir, deceive ourselves longer. 
Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm 
that is coming on. We have petitioned-we have remonstrated, we 
have supplicated, we have prostrated ourselves before the throne and 
have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the 
ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted, our re- 
monstrances have produced additional violence and insult, our suppli- 
cations have been disregarded and we have been spurned with con- 
tempt from the foot of the throne. 

"In vain after these things may we indulge the fond hope of peace and 
reconciliation. There is 7io longer room for hope. If we wish to be free- 
if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which 
we have been so long contending-if we mean not basely to abandon 
the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged and which we 
have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object ot our 



168 THESAGESANDHEROES 

contest shall be oblained-u-e mustjight! I repeat it s\Y-we must Jight! ! 
An appeal to arms and the God of Hosts is all that is left us. It is vain 
sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry-peace! peace .'-but 
there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next gale that 
comes from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. 
Our brethren are already in the field. What is it gentlemen wish? 
What would they have? Why stand we here idle? Is life so dear and 
peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery ? 
Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but 
as for me-give ?ne Liherty or Death ! ! /" See the resolutions to which 
he thus spoke in the life of Nelson. 

The effect of this speech was electrical. It insulated nearly every 
heart with the liquid fire of patriotism. The cry to arms-Liberty or death 
resounded from every quarter, rang through every ear and was responded 
by every patriot. The resolutions were seconded by Richard Henry 
Lee and adopted without further opposition and a committee appointed 
to carry them into effect. From that time the Old Dominion was renewed, 
regenerated and free. Her noble sons rushed to the rescue and cheer- 
fully poured out their blood and treasure in the cause of rational liberty. 
Soon after, the convention adjourned to August. About that time Lord 
Dunmore removed a quantity of powder from the magazine at Williams- 
burg on board the armed ship to which he had retreated. On learning 
this fact Mr. Henry collected a military force and demanded the restora- 
tion of the specific article or its equivalent in money. The needful was 
paid and no claret drawn. A royal proclamation was issued against 
these daring rebels which united the people more strongly in favor of 
their orator and soldiers whose conduct they sanctioned in several pub- 
lic meetings. 

In August when the Convention met Mr. Henry was again elected to 
the Continental Congress and remained one of the boldest champions of 
right and justice. In June 1776 he was elected governor of his native 
state. He served faithfully for two years and although unanimously 
re-elected declined serving longer. In 1780 he was a member of the 
legislature of his state and manifested an unabating zeal in the cause he 
had nobly espoused and essentially advanced. In 1788 he was a member 
of the Virginia Convention convened to consider the Federal Constitution. 
To that instrument he was strongly opposed because he believed it con- 
solidated the states into one government destroying the sovereignty of 
each. His eloquence on that occasion is believed to have reached its 
zenith for the first time. His closing speech surpassed all former efforts 
and operated so powerfully that only a small majority voted for the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 159 

adoption of the Constitution. During his remarks an incident occurred 
that enabled him almost to paralyze his audience. After describing the 
magnitude of the measure on which hung the happiness or misery of the 
present generation and millions yet unborn-with a voice and countenance 
solemn as the tomb-his eyes raised upward, he appealed to the God of 
Heaven and to angels then hovering over them to witness the thrilling 
scene and invoked their aid in the mighty work before him. At that 
moment a sudden thunder storm commenced its fury and shook the very 
earth. Upon the roar of the tempest his stentorian voice continued to 
rise-he figuratively seized the artillery of the elements as by supernatural 
power-enveloped his opponents in a blaze of liquid lightning-hurled the 
crashing thunderbolts at their heads and seemed commissioned by the 
great Jehovah to execute a deed of vengeance. The scene was fearfully 
sublime-the effect tremendous. The purple current rushed back upon 
the aching heart-every countenance was pale, every eye was fixed, 
every muscle electrified, every vein contracted, every mind agonized-the 
sensation became insupportable-the members rushed from their seats in 
confusion and left the room without a formal adjournment. 

Mr. Henry remained in the legislature of his state until 1791 when he 
retired from public life. He had toiled long, faithfully and successfully 
for his country and his state. He anxiously desired and sought that 
felicity and repose found only in the family circle. In 1795 his revered 
friend, President Washington, tendered him the important office of Secre- 
tary of State. With a deep feeling of gratitute he declined the proffered 
honor. In 1794 he was again elected governor of Virginia but was in 
too poor health to serve. In 1799 President Adams appointed him Envoy 
to France in conjunction with Messrs. Murray and Ellsworth. His 
rapidly declining health would not permit him to accept this last of his 
appointments. Disease was fast consummating the work of death and 
consuming the iron constitution and athleticframe that had enabled him 
to perform his duty so nobly during the toils of the Revolution. He was 
sensible that the work of dissolution was nearly completed and looked to 
his final exit with calm submission and Christian fortitude. On the 6th 
of June 1799 he bowed to the only monarch that could conquer him-the 
death king. With a full assurance of a crown of unfading glory in 
Heaven he threw off' the mortal coil and was numbered with the dead. 
His loss was deeply mourned by the American nation and most strongly 
felt by those who knew him best. The following afl^ectionate tribute is 
from one who knew him well. 

" Mourn, Virginia, mourn ! your Henry is gone. Ye friends to 
liberty in every clime drop a tear. No more will his social feelings 



160 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

spread delight through his house. No more will his edifying example 
dictate to his numerous offsprings the sweetness of virtue and the 
majesty of patriotism. No more will his sage advice, guided by zeal 
for the common happiness, impart light and utility to his caressing 
neighbors. No more will he illuminate the public councils with senti- 
ments drawn from the cabmet of his own mind ever directed to his 
country's good and clothed in eloquence sublime, delightful and com- 
manding. Farewell-first rate patriot-farewell ! As long as our rivers 
flow or mountains stand-so long will your excellence and worth be 
the theme of our homage and endearment and Virginia, bearing in 
mind her loss, will say to rising generations-iMiTATE my Henry !" 

In tracing the character of this great and good man his examples in 
public and private life are found worthy of imitation. As by magic 
he threw off the cumbrous mass that so long confined his mighty 
genius and at once became a gigantic and brilliant intellectual man. 
Nature had so moulded him that the ordinary concerns of life never 
roused him. Had not the momentous subject of freedom engaged the 
mind of this bold and noble patriot he might have closed his career 
with its strongest powers unspent and left his loftiest talents to expire 
beneath the surface of the quarry from which they sublimely rose in 
peerless majesty. It required occasions of deep and thrilling interest 
to bring his latent energies into action. The exciting causes of the 
revolution were exactly calculated to bring him out in all the grandeur 
of his native greatness. As an advocate, orator, patriot and statesman- 
he was the colossus of his time. As Grattan said of Pitt-there was 
something in Patrick Henry that could create, subvert oi reform-an 
understanding, a spirit, an eloquence to summon mankind to society 
or break the bonds of slavery asunder and rule the wilderness of free 
minds with unbounded authority-something that could establish or 
overwhelm empires and strike a blow in the world that should resound 
through the universe. He maintained his opinions with great zeal 
but held himself open to conviction of error. When under discussion 
he opposed the Federal Constitution but subsequently approved its 
form and substance. 

His private character was as pure as his public career was glorious. 
He was twice married and the father of fifteen children. As a hus- 
band, father, friend, citizen and neighbor he had no superior. The 
closing paragraph of his will is worthy of record, showing a profound 
veneration for religion. " I have now disposed of all my property to 
my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them and 
that is the Christian religion. If they had this and I had not given 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 161 

ihem one shilling they would be rich and if they had not that and I 
had given them all the world they would be poor." 

Coming from one of the clearest minds that ever investigated the 
truths of revelation this short paragraph speaks volumes in favour of 
that religion which is despised by some-neglected by millions and is 
the one thing needful to prepare us for a blissful immortality beyond 
the confines of the whirling planet on which we live, move and have 
a transient being. Ponder it well, dear reader and govern yourself 
accordingly. 



JOSEPH HEWES. 

Charity, like the patriotism of '76, is more admired than used- 
more preached than practised. It descended from heaven to soften 
the hearts of the human family-mellow the asperities of human na- 
ture. It is the substratum of philanthropy, the main pillar of earthly 
felicity, the brightest star in the Christian's diadem, the connecting 
link between man and his Creator, the golden chain that reaches from 
earth to mansions of enduring bliss. It spurns the scrofula of green- 
eyed jealousy, the canker of self-tormenting envy, the tortures of 
heart-burning malice, the typhoid of boiling revenge, the cholera of 
damning ingratitude. It tames the fierce passions of man, prepares 
him for that brighter world where this crowning attribute of Deity 
reigns triumphant. Could its benign influence reach the hearts of all 
mankind the partition walls of sectarianism would be lost in pure 
philanthropy, individual and universal happiness would be immeasu- 
rably advanced, many of the dark clouds of human misery would 
vanish before its heart cheering soul reviving rays like a morning fog 
before the rising sun. It is an impartial mirror set in the frame of 
love embossed with equity and justice. Let broad and universal 
charity pervade the family of man with its sunbeams of living light- 
then a blow will be struck for the King of kings that will resound 
through the wilderness of mind and cause it to bud and blossom as 
the rose. Then the human race will be rapidly evangelized and made 
free in the fraternizing gospel of the woRD-a gospel untrammelled by 
the inventions and dogmas of men-a gospel crowned with all the glory 
of original simplicity and heavenly love. 

These practical remarks are induced from a review of the life of 
Joseph Hewes whose father was one of the persecutea Quakers of 
New England and was compelled to fly from Connecticut in conse- 
21 



162 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

qijence of his religious tenets. A marked inconsistency has ofteu 
been fearfully exemplified by those who have fled from religious perse- 
cution. The moment they obtained the reigns of power they have 
become the relentless persecutors of all who would not succumb to 
their authority and dogmatical dictation. In the biography of Charles 
Carroll the reafler has one example. Under the administration of the 
Saybrook and Cambridge platforms a sterner policy was pursued 
towards the Quakers of New England than against the Roman Catho- 
lics of Maryland. Before these platforms were systematically dove- 
tailed together the Baptist denomination was banished from the old 
settlements. Roger Williams came from Wales to Massachusetts in 
1631 and preached the Baptist doctrine at Salem and Plymouth until 
1636 when he and his flock were banished for their religious opinions. 
He and his adherents removed into the wilderness of Rhode Island 
and commenced the town of Providence. They formed the first 
church in New England where undisturbed freedom of conscience was 
enjoyed with a republican form of church government. The frame- 
work of the Cambridge platform was commenced by an ecclesiastical 
convention in 1646 and the superstructure completed in 1648. On 
this platform the municipal and legislative proceedings of Massachu- 
setts were based for sixty years. In 1656 the legislature passed a 
law prohibiting any master of a vessel from bringing a Quaker into 
the Colony under a penalty of one hundred pounds. The next year a 
law was passed inflicting the most barbarous cruelties upon the mem- 
bers of this peace-loving sect-such as cutting off" their ears, boring 
their tongues with a hot iron, unless they would desist from their 
mode of worship and doff* their straight coats and ugly bonnets. In 
1669 a law was passed banishing them on pain of death. Four of 
them who refused to go were executed. Some historians have had 
the eff'rontery to excuse this cruelty because the Quakers promulged 
their doctrines too boldly and thus provoked the Cambridge authori- 
ties. This sophistical apology is too far fetched. It shrinks from the 
mellow touch of charity and the fair scrutiny of justice. The cruelty 
admits of no palliation until we can convert the baser passions into 
virtues. By recurring to the bigotry and fanaticism of that period we 
can readily learn why such a course was pursued. This aff"ords ne 
healing balm for the mind of a true philanthropist. We can only 
regret the past and rejoice that charity and liberty have so far tri- 
umphed in our now free and happy country as to dispel religious 
darkness and restore man to a degree of reason that has paralyzed 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 163 

persecution unto blood for opinion's sake-the brightest luminary in 
the constellation of a free government. 

To avoid the penalties imposed, Adam Hewes, the father of Joseph, 
fled from Connecticut with his wife Providence and located near 
Kingston, New Jersey, where they lived peacefully and died happily. 
When they crossed the Housatonic river in their fli^t they were so 
closely pursued by the Indians that Providence was severely wounded 
in the neck by a ball from one of their guns. Joseph Hewes was born 
at the new residence of his parents in 1730. After receiving a good 
education in the Princeton school he commenced a commercial appren- 
ticeship in Philadelphia. On completing this he entered into a success- 
ful mercantile business. For several years he spent his time in New 
York and Philadelphia and engaged largely in the shipping business. 
He was of a cheerful turn, had a penetrating mind, a sound judgment, 
a good heart and was persevering in all his undertakings. He was 
fond of social intercourse, convivial parties and sometimes exhibited 
the light fantastic toe. He entered into the full fruition of rational 
enjoyment without abusing it. 

In 1760 he located at Edenton, North Carolina. He was soon after 
elected to the Assembly of that province and became a substantial and 
useful member. He made no pretensions to public speaking, was a 
faithful working man, a correct voter and punctually in his place. 
When the revolutionary storm commenced he faced its fury without 
the umbrella of doubt or the overcoat of fear. He was among those 
who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honors in the cause of In- 
dependence. He was a member of the Congress of 1774 and one of 
the committee that reported the rights of the American Colonies— the 
manner they had been violated and the proposed means for obtaining 
redress. From this circumstance we may infer that Joseph Hewes 
was a man of cool deliberation, clearness of perception and understood 
well the principles of constitutional law and chartered rights. The 
report of this committee is a lucid and elaborate document. By refer- 
ring to the Declaration of Independence the reader will have the fea- 
tures of the first part portraying the rights of the colonies. By reading 
the instructions from the primary convention of Pennsylvania in the 
biography of James Smith the second part will be seen pointing out the 
violations. The third part proposing the preliminary means for ob- 
taining redress are fully set forth in the following extract. After relat 
ing the injuries of the mother country the report proceeds — 

"Therefore we do, for ourselves and the inhabitants of the severa/ 



164 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

colonics whom we represent, firmly agree and associale under the 
sacred ties of virtue, honor and love of our country as follows — 

« First. That from and after the first day of December next we will 
not import into British America from Great Britain or Ireland, any 
goods, wares or merchandize whatsoever or from any other place any 
such goods, wares or merchandize as shall have been exported from 
Great Britain or Ireland-nor will we, after that day, import any East 
India tea from any part of the world nor any molasses, syrups, coffee 
or pimento from the British plantations or from Dominico nor wme 
from Madeira* or the West Indies nor foreign indigo. 

" Second. We will neither import nor purchase any slaves imported 
after the first day of December next, after which time we will wholly 
discontinue the slave trade and will neither be concerned in it our- 
selves nor will we hire our vessels nor sell our commodities or manu- 
factures to those who are concerned in it." 

" Third. As a non-consumption agreement, strictly adhered to, will 
be an effectual security for the observation of the non-importation, we 
as above solemnly agree and associate, that from this day we will not 
purchase or use any tea imported on account of the East India Com- 
pany or any on which a duty has been or shall be paid and from the 
first day of March next We will not purchase or use any East India tea 
whatever-nor will we nor shall any person for or under us purchase or 
use any of these goods, wares or merchandize we have agreed not to 
import which we shall know or have cause to suspect were imported 
after the first day of December, except such as come under the rules 
and directions of the tenth article hereafter mentioned. 

" Fourth. The earnest desire we have not to injure our fellow sub- 
jects in Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies, induces us to sus- 
pend a non-importation until the 10th day of September 1775 at which 
time, if the said Acts and parts of Acts of the British Parliament therein 
mentioned [see them in the life of James Smith] are not repealed, we 
will not directly or indirectly export any merchandize or commodities 
whatsoever to Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies except rice to 

Europe. 

''Fifth. Such as are merchants and in the British and Irish trade 
will give orders as soon as possible to their factors, agents and corre- 
spondents in Great Britain and Ireland not to ship any goods to them 
on any pretence whatever as they cannot be received in America and 
if any merchants residing in Great Britain or Ireland shall directly or 
indirectly ship any goods, wares or merchandize for America in order 
to break the said non-importation agreement or in any mannei contra- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 165 

vene the same, on such unworthy conduct being well tested it ought to 
be made public and on the same being so done we will not from hence- 
forth have any commercial connection with such merchants. 

" Sixth. That such as are owners of vessels will give positive orders 
to their captains or masters not to receive on board their vessels any 
goods prohibited by the said non-importation agreement on pain of im- 
nediate dismission from service. 

" Seventh. We will use our best endeavors to improve the breed of 
sheep and increase their number to the greatest extent and to that end 
we will kill them as seldom as may be, especially those of the most 
profitable kind nor will we export any to the West Indies or elsewhere 
and those of us who are or may become overstocked with or can con- 
veniently spare any sheep will dispose of them to our neighbors, espe- 
cially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms. 

" Eighth. We will in our several stations encourage frugality, eco- 
nomy and industry and promote agriculture, arts and the manufactures 
of this country especially that of wool and will discountenance and 
discourfige every species of extravagance and dissipation, especially all 
horse-racing and all kinds of gaming, cock-fighting, exhibitions of 
shows, plays and other expensive diversions and entertainments and on 
the death of any relation or friend, none of us or any of our family will 
go into any further mourning dress than a black crape or ribbon on the 
arm or hat for gentlemen and a black ribbon and necklace for ladies 
and that we will discontinue the giving of gloves and scarfs at funerals. 

" Ninth. Such as are venders of goods and merchandize will not 
take the advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by 
this association but will sell the same at the rate we have been respec 
tively accustomed to do for twelve months last past and if any vender 
of goods or merchandize shall sell any such goods on higher terms or 
shall in any manner or by any device whatsoever depart from this 
agreement, no person ought nor will any of us deal with any such per- 
son or his or her factor or agent at any time hereafter for any com- 
modity whatever. 

" Tenth. In case any merchant, trader or other persons shall import 
any goods or merchandize after the first day of December and before 
the first day of February next, the same ought forthwith, at the election 
of the owners, to be either re-shipped or delivered up to the committee 
' of the county or town wherein they shall be imported, to be stored at 
the risk of the importer until the non-importation agreement shall cease 
or be sold under the direction of the committee aforesaid-and in the 
last mentioned case the owner or owners of such goods shall be reim- 



166 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

bursed out of the sales the first cost and charges, the profits, if any, to 
be applied towards relieving and employing such poor inhabitants of 
the town of Boston as are the immediate sufferers by the Boston Port 
Bill and a particular account of all goods so returned, stored or soid, 
to be inserted in the public paper and if any goods or merchandize 
shall be imported after the first day of February the same ought forth- 
with to be sent back again without breaking any of the packages 
thereof. 

"Eleventh. That a committee be chosen in every county, city and 
town by those who are qualified to vote for representatives in the legis- 
latures whose business it shall be attentively to observe the conduct of 
all persons touching the association and when it shall be made to ap- 
pear to the satisfaction of a majority of any such committee that any 
person within the limits of their appointment has violated this associa- 
tion, that such majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case to be 
published in the Gazette to the end that all such foes to the rights of 
British America may be publicly known and universally condemned as 
the enemies of American liberty and henceforth we respectively will 
break ofl^all dealings with him or her. 

" Twelfth. That the committee of correspondence in the respective 
Colonies do frequently inspect the entries of the custom house and in- 
form each other from time to time of the true state thereof and of every 
oth^r material circumstance that may occur relative to the association. 

" Thirteenth. That all manufactures of this country be sold at reason- 
able prices so that no undue advantage be taken of a future scarcity of 
goods. 

" Fourtee?ith. And we do further agree and resolve that we will have 
no trade, commerce, dealings or intercourse whatsover with any colony 
or province in North America which shall not accede to or which shall 
hereafter violate this association but will hold them unworthy the rights 
of freemen and inimical to the rights of their country. 

" And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents under the 
ties aforesaid to adhere to this association until such parts of the several 
Acts of Parliament passed since the close of the [French] war as impose 
or continue duties on tea, wine, molasses, syrups, coffee, sugar, pimento, 
indigo, foreign paper, glass, painter's colors imported into America and 
extend the powers of the Admiralty Courts beyond their ancient limits, 
deprive the American subjects of trial by jury, authorize the judge's cer 
tificate to indemnify the prosecutor from damages that he might otherwise 
he liable to from a trial by his peers, require oppressive security from a 
claimant of ships or goods before he shall be allowed to defend his pro- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 167 

perty are repealed. And we recommend it to the Provincial Conventions 
and to the committee in the respective Colonies to establish such further 
regulations as they may think proper for carrying into execution this 
association." 

Upon this report all the subsequent proceedings of Congress were pre- 
dicated. It is a reasonable conclusion that nothing but the most aggravated 
violations of their rights could induce such men as composed the first 
general Congress to enter into a solemn agreement like the one here 
recited. By every true patriot it was adhered to with the most scrupu- 
lous fidelity. The spirit of liberty was infused through the whole mass 
of patriots-men, women and children. The oppression had become 
intolerable. 

After a session of about two months Congress adjourned to the ensuing 
May when Joseph Hewes again took his seat with the venerable sages 
of the nation. He was an important member of committees. He was 
continued at his post the next year and hailed with joy the proposition 
to cut the gordian knot that bound the Colonies to mother Britain. When 
the set time arrived to strike the final blow for liberty he sanctioned the 
procedure with his vote and signature. His industry, accurate know- 
ledge of business, his systematic mode of performing every duty, gained 
for him the admiration and esteem of all the members, one of whom 
remarked of his duties upon the secret committee-" Mr. Hewes was 
remarkable for a devotedness to the business of this committee as even 
the most industrious merchant was to his counting house." He was 
upon several of the most important committees. Upon the one for fitting 
out a naval armament he stood in the front rank. He was virtually the 
first Secretary of the Navy. With scanty funds he speedily fitted out 
eight armed vessels. He was very active in raising supplies in his own 
state to strengthen the sinews of war and oil the wheels of the general 
government. In 1777 when the enemy threatened vengeance on his 
state he declined his seat in Congress and gave his services specially to 
her until 1779 when he resumed his place in the national legislature. He 
was then worn down with labor and in poor health. He attempted 
active duty but disease had prostrated his physical powers and sown the 
seeds of death. He continued to attend in the House when able until 
the 29th day of October when he left the Hall for the last time. On the 
10th of November 1779 his immortal spirit left its earthy tabernacle and 
returned to Him who gave it. His premature death was deeply lamented 
and sincerely mourned. Congress passed the usual resolutions-the mem- 
bers and officers wore the badge of mourning for thirty days. His 
remains were buried in Christ Church yard, Philadelphia, followed by 



168 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the members and officers of Congress, the General Assembly and Supreme 
Executive Council of Pennsylvania, the French minister, the military 
and a large concourse of other persons all anxious to pay their last 
respects to one v^^hom they esteemed in life and whose memory they 
delighted to honor after death. The funeral ceremony was performed 
by Bishop White, then chaplain of Congress. His dust has ever since 
reposed in peace undisturbed by malice or slander. His name is recorded 
on the Magna Charta of our Liberty-his fame will live until the last 
vestige of American history shall be blotted from the world. Not a 
blemish rests upon his private character or public reputation. In all 
things he was an honest man. 

The person of Joseph Hewes was elegant, his countenance open and 
intelligent, his manners pleasing and polished, his whole course honorable 
and just. He would have been a good man had there been no Heaven 
to gain or misery to shun. He practised virtue for its intrinsic worth- 
not to gain the applause of men. It was not a cloak for him-it emanated 
from the inmost recesses of his pure heart. With such men to guide our 
ship of state our UNION is safe. 



THOMAS HEYWARD. 

Man, to understand and correctly estimate the magnitude and design 
of his creation, must become familiar with the thousand springs of the 
undying spirit within him. The labyrinthian mazes of the immortal 
mind must be explored and traced from earth to native heaven. The 
depths of human nature must be sounded and its channels clearly marked. 

Upon the axis of reason revolving thought performs its endless cir- 
cuit with mathematical precision guided by the centripetal force of 
sound discretion-or it is projected from its legitimate orbit by the cen- 
trifugal power of random folly into the regions of senseless vacuity or 
visionary sophistry. Its ceaseless motion is as perpetual as the purple 
stream of our arteries-its momentum is inconceivable-its tenure-ETER- 
NiTY. It travels through space with more celerity than lightning-its 
earthly career can be arrested only by death. 

To reflect, investigate, reason, analyze-is the province of our intel- 
lectual powers. To comprehend the grand and harmonious organic 
structure of nature-the wisdom of the great Architect of universal 
worlds-the relation man bears to his God and his fellow man-is to 
learn that human beings are endowed by their Creator with equal and 
inalienable rights and that they are in duty bound to maintain them. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 169 

Justice marks out the golden path, reason leads the way-patriotism 
impels to action. The man whose mind is cast in the mould of wisdom 
by the almighty hand of the great Jehovah-if he brings into proper ex- 
ercise the combined powers of intellectual and physical force, can never 
be made a pliant slave. As his soul is expanded by the genial rays of 
intelligence he duly appreciates his native dignity, becomes enraptured 
with the blessings of LiBERTY-resolves to be free. If he is groaning 
under the oppressions of tyranny and wears the galling chains of servi- 
lity-as light shines upon him he will be roused to a mighty effort to 
burst the ignominious thongs that bind him-assert his inherent rights- 
assume his proper sphere. 

Thus acted the patriots of the American Revolution with whom 
Thomas Hey ward was associated during that eventful period. He was 
the eldest son of Col. Daniel Heyward a wealthy and respectable 
planter and was born in the parish of St. Luke, S. C. in 1746. His 
opportunities for obtaining a liberal education were freely afforded by 
the father and faithfully improved by the son. He became ardently 
attached to the Greek and Roman classics and was enraptured with 
the history of old Republican Freedom with all its corruptions clus- 
tering around it. The principles of rational Liberty became deeply 
rooted in his mind at an early age. As manhood dawned upon him 
they were thoroughly matured. 

On completing his collegiate education he commenced the study of 
law under Mr. Parsons. His proficiency in that intricate branch of 
science was rapid-substantial. He possessed an analyzing mind and 
never passed over a subject superficially. He was a close student-ex- 
plored the vast fields of civil and common law with a zeal and rapidity 
as rare as it is necessary and commendable. When he became fami- 
liar with the principles laid down by Blackstone and understood fully 
the rights secured to persons and property by Magna Charta and the 
British Constitution and compared them with the iron rod of restric- 
tion held over the Colonies by the mother country-he was roused to a 
just indignation-more than prima facie evidence of a clear head and 
sound common sense. 

After completing his course with Mr. Parsons he went to England 
and entered the Middle Temple where he became a finished lawyer-a 
polished gentleman. Although amply supplied with money he was not 
led astray by the fascinating allurements of pleasures that flatter to 
seduce-then ruin and destroy. To enrich his mind with science, legal 
lore and useful knowledge, was the ultimatum of his soul. He mingled 
with what was termed refined society in London which formed a strik 
22 



170 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

ing contrast with the repubhcan simpUcity of the same grade in his 
own country. The fastidious hauteur of Enghsh etiquette was far 
from beincr congenial to his mind and did not accord with his ideas of 
social life. He there met claims of superiority over native Americans 
that he knew were based alone on vain pride or wilful ignorance. His 
feelings wei^e often wounded by indignities cast upon his countrymen. 
This riveted his affections more strongly upon his native land. They 
served as fuel to replenish the glowing fire of patriotism already burn- 
ing in his bosom. The pomp of royalty and the empty splendor of the 
court had no charms for him. The awful distance between the 
haughty monarch and the honest peasant-the towering throne and the 
worthy yeomanry, operated on his mind like a talisman and gave his 
soul a fresh impetus towards the goal of Liberty. The more he saw 
of practical monarchy, the more he became opposed to its iron sway. 
The more he saw of the action of ministers the more he was convinced 
the king was a mere automaton and did not exercise common volition. 
Officially he was a marble Colossus-impervious to all feeling-only to 
be gazed at. As a human being he was not to be consulted or trou- 
bled with complaints from his subjects but to act as directed by those 
whose tool he was. 

After closing his course in the law temple he made the tour of Eu- 
rope and returned to the warm embrace of his relatives and friends 
richly laden with legal attainments and experimental knowledge. He 
had become familiar with the theories of monarchical government and 
their practical demonstration. He understood well the policy of the 
mother country toward the American Colonies. He had seen her 
political artificers engaged at the forge of despotism preparing chains 
for his beloved countrymen. He had seen her coffers yawning to re- 
ceive the ill gotten treasures wrested from his fellow citizens by the 
hireling tax gatherers. His own estate had been laid under contribu- 
tion to swell the unholy fund. His neighbors were writhing under the 
lash of British oppression. To enlighten their minds, to make them 
fully understand their danger, their interests and their duty, became 
the business of this zealous patriot. Possessed of a bold and fearless 
mind directed by a clear head, an honest heart, a sound judgment and 
a rich store of useful intelligence-his exertions were crowned with 
auspicious success. His salutary influence was extensively felt-his 
sterling worth was duly appreciated. 

Mr. Hey ward was a member of the first Assembly of South Carolina 
that set British power at defiance. He was also a member of the 
council of safety. He discharged his duties with firmness, prudence 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 171 

and zeal. No fugitive fear disturbed his mind-no threatened vengeance 
moved his purposes. His eyes were fixed on the temple of freedom, liis 
soul was insulated by the electric fluid of patriotism, he was resolved 
on liberty or death. His life, property and sacred honor were freely 
pledged in the glorious cause. He was elected to the Continental 
Congress in 1775 but declined serving because so young. A large 
delegation of his constituents subsequently waited upon him and per- 
suaded him to take his seat in the Congress of 177G. He was a warm 
advocate for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence-the re- 
vered instrument that shed new lustre on the intellect of man. By his 
signature he confirmed the sincerity of his soul in all he had said in its 
favor. His conscience, his country and his God approved the act. 

Under the new form of government he was appointed a Judge of the 
civil and criminal courts. In that capacity he was called to perform a 
painful but imperious duty. Several persons were arraigned before 
the court charged with treasonable correspondence with the enemy. 
They were tried, found guilty and condemned to be hung in sight of 
the British lines at Charleston. With feelings of deep sympathy and 
humanity but with the firmness of a Roman he performed his duty with 
great dignity and delicacy. He knew they had immortal souls and 
soared above the cold indiffercnce-the keen invective that sometimes 
have but never should be resorted to. 

Judge Hey ward also participated in the perils of the field. He com- 
manded a company of artillery at the battle of Beaufort and was se- 
verely wounded. At the attack upon Savannah he exhibited the bravery 
of a practised veteran. At the siege of Charleston he commanded a 
battalion and was one of the unfortunate prisoners who were incarce- 
rated in the Spanish castle at St. Augustine, Florida. During his ab- 
sence his property was destroyed by the enemy. To cap the climax 
of his severe afflictions, his amiable and accomplished wife had been 
laid in the tomb. She was the daughter of Mr. Matthews and married 
in 1773. The tidings of these heaft rending occurrences did not reach 
him until he was exchanged and arrived at Philadelphia. With the 
calm and dignified fortitude of a Christian, philosopher and hero— he 
met the shafts of afflictive fate. He mourned deeply but submissively 
the premature exit of the wife of his youth, the companion of his bo- 
som. His physical suflerings and loss of property he freely oflered at 
ths altar of liberty without a murmur. 

He again resumed his duties upon the judicial bench and discharged 
them ably and faithfully up to 1798. He was an influential member of 
the convention thai 0-amed the constitution of his native state m 1790. 



172 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

He married Miss E. Savage for his second wife. After the close of 
the trying and bloody scenes through which he had passed he sat down 
under his own vine and fig tree and enjoyed the rich fruits of that lib- 
erty he had sacrificed so nnuch to obtain. A peaceful quiet reigned in 
his bosom and around him. The British yoke had been thrown off-the 
Gallic chain had been broken-the increasing millions of his country- 
men could look through the vista of the future with cheering hope and 
exquisite pleasure. In the enjoyments of the present-past pains were 
merged. He was happy. 

Infirmity and old age admonished him that his mission on earth was 
fast drawing to a close. He retired from the public arena covered 
with epic and civic honors enduring as the pages of history. In the 
full fruition of a nation's gratitude and a nation's freedom his last years 
passed smoothly away. He went to his final rest in March 1809, 
leaving his tender wife to mourn the loss of a kind husband, his inter- 
esting children to feel deeply the loss of a tender father-his country to 
regret the exit of a devoted patriot, an able judge, an honest man. He 
was a noble philanthropist-an able judge-a discreet statesman-a pure 
ci^izen-a sterling patriot-a friend to our UNION. 



STEPHEN HOPKINS. 

Many gravely contend that there should be at least two political par- 
<es to insure the safety of our Republic that one may watch and detect 
'he corrupt designs of the other. If this position is sound we are pre- 
eminently safe for we have some half dozen distinct organizations be- 
sides remnants of old ones and guerrilla squads that plunder from each. 
The argument would have force if the people would fix political land- 
marks as distinctive as those of 1800-banish demagogue leaders-revive 
tho patriotism of '76-be guided entirely by love of country, prudence, 
stri-^t justice and the fear of God which is the beginning of all wisdom. 
As iMDw constituted, for one to correct the faults of the other would be 
like Satan rebuking sin. There are good men under the banners of 
each party but they have neither brass or intrigue enough to become 
leaders. According to modern political tactics as practised, a suc- 
cessful party leader must unite an oily tongue with a gum elastic con- 
science, a grain of truth with a pound of falsehood, a spark of honesty 
vrith any quantity of deception circumstances may require and be 
ready to sacrifice honor, integrity and friends to carry out party plans- 
ever pressing toward the end with the force c/ a locomotive regard- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 173 

less of the means put in requisition. Merit is not sought for by dema- 
gogues. Available is the omnipotent word-the grand countersign-the 
magic passport to a nomination and when nominated the candidate must 
be voted for although destitute of capacity, moral virtue and every 
recjuisite of a statesman. The sad consequences are more fearfully de- 
monstrated as time rolls onward. Dignity, decorum, common cour- 
tesy are often banished from our legislative halls. Crimination and 
recrimination usurp the place of sound logic-reason is dethroned, com- 
mon decency outraged, the business of our country neglected, our 
national character disgraced-all because the people do not rise in their 
majesty and do their duty. We have an abundance of men in the 
back ground as pure as the patriots of '76. Let them be brought for- 
ward and put to work. The few of this kind who are in the public 
arena cannot long stem and never roll back the mighty torrent of poli- 
tical corruption now sweeping over this land of boasted freedom. To 
render our UNION safe our political leaders and public functionaries 
must be men who are influenced alone by an ardent desire to promote 
the general good of our whole country-aiming at holy ends to be ac- 
complished by righteous means. Such were the sages of the American 
Revolution. 

The patriarch Stephen Hopkins stood among them in all the dignity 
of an honest man. He was born at Scituate, Rhode Island, on the 7th 
of March 1707. He was the son of William Hopkins a thorough 
farmer whose father, Thomas Hopkins, was one of the pioneers of that 
province. The school advantages of Stephen were limited to the ele- 
mentary branches of an English education, then very superficially 
taught. By the force of his own exertions he perfected this embryo 
basis and reared upon it a magnificent superstructure. He spent all 
his leisure hours in exploring the fields of science. At his majority he 
was a farmer in easy circumstances and devoted a portion of the day 
and his quiet evenings to the acquisition of useful knowledge. No pro- 
fession not literary affords so much facility for mental improvement as 
that of agriculture. Independent tillers of the soil-if you are not intel- 
ligent the fault is your own. The time was when ignorance was 
winked at. That dark age has passed away. Now common sense 
and reason command all to drink at the scholastic fountain. 

Mr. Hopkins acquired a thorough knowledge of mathematics at an 
early age and became an expert surveyor. At the age of nineteen he 
was placed in the ranks of men by marrying Sarah Scott whose pater- 
nal great grandfather was the first Quaker who settled in Providence. 
She died the mother of seven children. In 1755 he married the widow 



174 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Anna Smith a pious member of the Society of Friends. In 1731 he 
was appointed Town Clerk and. Clerk of the Court and Proprietaries of 
the county. The next year he was elected to the General Assembly 
where he continued for six consecutive years. In 1735 he was elected 
to the Town Council and for six years was President of that body. In 
1736 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and a Judge of the Com- 
mon Pleas Court. In 1739 he was elevated to the seat of Chief Justice 
of that branch of the judiciary. During the intervals of these public 
duties he spent much of his time in surveying. He regulated the streets 
of his native town and those of Providence and made a projected map 
of each. He was the Proprietary surveyor for the county of Provi- 
dence and prepared a laborious index of returns of all land west of the 
seven mile line, which still continues to be a document of useful refer- 
ence. Beauty and precision marked all his draughts and calculations. 

In 1741 he was again elected to the assembly. The next year he 
removed to Providence where he was elected to the same body and 
became Speaker of the House. In 1744 he filled the same station and 
was appointed a Justice of the Peace for that town. In 1751 he was 
appointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court and for the fourteenth 
time elected to the assembly. In 1754 he was a delegate to the Colo- 
nial Congress held at Albany, N. Y. for the purpose of effecting a treaty 
with the Five Nations of Indians in order to gain their aid or neutrality 
in the French war. A system of union was then and there drawn up 
by the delegates similar to the Articles of Confederation that governed 
the Continental Congress which was vetoed by England. 

In 1755 the Earlof Loudoun in command of the English forces made 
a requisition for troops upon several colonies and on Rhode Island for 
four hundred and fifty men to check the triumphant career of the French 
and Indians then devastating the frontier settlements. Mr. Hopkins ren- 
dered efficient aid in this service and had the pleasure of seeing the com- 
plement promptly made up. In 1756 he was elected Chief Magistrate 
of the colony and was found fully competent to perform the duties of the 
office. In 1757 the loss of Fort William Henry and the sad reverses of the 
English army made it necessary that the colonies should raise an efficient 
force for self-protection. A company of volunteers was raised in 
Providence composed of the first gentlemen of the town and Mr. 
Hopkins put in command over it. The timely arrival of troops from 
England deprived them of their anticipated epic laurels. The next year 
this useful man was again elected Chief Magistrate' and served seven of 
the eleven following years. 

In 1767 party spirit was rolling its mountain waves over Rhode Island 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 175 

10 fearfully that it threatened the prostration of social order and civil 
law. Anxious for the welfare of the colony this patriotic Roman put 
forth his noblest efforts to check its bold career. In his message to the 
Assembly he expressed his deep solicitude for the restoration of harmony 
and proposed retiring at once from the public service if it would contribute 
in the slightest degree to heal the political breach. To prove his sincerity 
he shortly after left the public arena contrary to the wishes of his friends. 
His picture of that era so much resembles the political map of our country 
at the present time that an extract may be excused. 

" When we draw aside the veil of words and professions-when we 
attend to what is done and what is said-we shall find that Liberty is a 
cant term of faction and freedom of speaking and acting, used only to 
serve the private interests of a party. What else can be the cause of our 
unhappy disputes? What other reason for the continual struggle for 
superiority and office? What other motive for the flood of calumny 
and reproach cast upon each other ? Behold the leading men meeting 
in cabals [caucusses] and from thence dispersing themselves to the 
several quarters to delude the people. The people are called together in 
tippling houses, their business neglected, their morals corrupted, them- 
selves deluded-some promised offices for which they are unfit and those 
with whom these arts will not prevail are tempted with the wages of 
unrighteousness and are offered a bribe to falsify their oath and betray 
their country. By these scandalous practices elections are carried and 
officers appointed. It makes little difference whether the officer who 
obtains his place in this manner is otherwise a good man-put in by a 
party he must do what iheij order without being permitted to examine 
the rectitude even of his own actions. The unhappy malady runs 
through the whole body politic. Men in authority are not revered and 
loose all power to do good. The courts of judicature catch the infection 
and the sacred balance of justice does not hang even. All complain of 
the present administration and hard times and wish they might grow 
better. But complaints are weak, wishes are idle, cries are vain-even 
prayers will be ineffectual if we do not universally amend." 

This catalogue of evils is followed by a strain of paternal advice that 
should come home to the reader like a voice from the tomb. 

" My countrymen permit me to remind you of the blood, the suffering, 
the hardships and labors of our ancestors in purchasing the Liberty and 
privileges we might peaceably enjoy. How can you answer it to fame, 
to honor, to honesty, to posterity if you do not possess these inestimable 
blessings with grateful hearts, with purity of morals and transmit them 
with safety to the next generation. Nothing is desired but that ever% 



176 THE SAGES AND HE HOES 

man in community act up to tiie dignity of his own proper character 
Let every freeman carefully consider the particular duty allotted to him 
as such by the constitution. Let him give his suffrage with candor 
for the person he sincerely thinks best qualified. Let him shun the man 
who would persuade him Jiow to vote. Let him despise the man who 
offers him an office and spurn the sordid wretch who would give him a 
bribe. Let him think it his duty to give his vote according to his con- 
.science and not depend on others to do his duty for him. * * * * Officers 
and magistrates I would humbly entreat to consider that your turn has 
come to serve the commonwealth and not yourselves. Your own discreet 
and exemplary behaviour is your best authority to do good. It is vain 
to command others to practice what we ourselves omit or to abstain from 
what they see us do. When moderation and example are insufficient to 
suppress vice, power ought to be used even to its utmost severity if neces- 
sary and above ail-that in all cases and under all circumstsinces-justice 
should be equally, impartially and expeditiously administered." 

This plain lucid exposition of the duties of freemen merits the highest 
considei'ation of every private citizen and public officer. It is the inspired 
effusion of a clear head, a good heart and a noble soul. In language of 
sublime simplicity it exhibits laconically the only sure foundation of a 
republican government. It strikes at the very root of alarming evils 
that are now hanging over our beloved country like an incubus. It is 
plain truth plainly told and should be strongly felt and implicitly obeyed 
by all who desire the perpetuity of our glorious UNION. 

In June 1769 Mr. Hopkins was called to aid in taking observations 
upon the transit of Venus over the disk of the sun. So highly were his 
services prized on that occasion that the pamphlet published on the sub- 
ject was dedicated to him. This rare phenomenon occured in 1739-61- 
69 and will occur again in 1874 and 1996 if the planetary system con- 
tinues its usual revolutions-of which no man knoweth-not even the 
angels in Heaven. 

Previous to the American Revolution Governor Hopkins had incurred 
the displeasure of the British ministry by licensing vessels from his 
province to trade with the French and Spanish Colonies. In this he 
did not violate the constitution or any law of England. He continued 
to grant the privilege regardless of the authority illegally assumed by 
Great Britain to direct the local concerns of the Colony. He had long 
been convinced that the mother country cared more for the Jleece than 
the jlock she claimed in America which had been often left to con- 
tend alone against a merciless foe. With such convictions on his mind, 
a republican to the core and valuing liberty above life-he was pre 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 177 

pared to resist the first scintillations of the unconstitutional claims 
made by corrupt and corrupting ministers. When the Stamp Act was 
passed his voice and pen were arrayed against it. He showed clearly 
that this and other Acts of parliament had no foundation in justice and 
were in violation of the British constitution. 

In 1772 the mountain waves of local party spirit having subsided 
in Rhode Island and its effervescence calmed by the absorbing question 
of British oppression Mr Hopkins again took his seat in the Assembly 
and was continued for three years. In 1774 this patriarch statesman 
was elected to the Continental Congress and entered with a calm de- 
termined zeal upon the responsible duties of that august Convention. 
The same year he proposed and obtained the passage of a bill pro- 
hibiting the slave trade in his Colony which greatly incensed the crown 
officers. To show that he strongly felt what he earnestly advocated- 
he emancipated all his negroes-the descendants of whom still reside in 
Providence. He had incorporated their freedom in his will dated 
some time previous. 

In 1775 he was appointed Chief Justice of his Colony-was a mem- 
ber of her Assembly and member of Congress. The ensuing year 
he was one of the immortalized band of patriots by whose exertions a 
nation was born in a day and who signed and delivered the certifi- 
cate of legitimacy to their grateful constituency. The same year 
he was President of the board of commissioners of the New Eng- 
land States who convened at Providence to devise plans for the pro- 
motion of the glorious cause of freedom. The next year he presided 
over a suuilar board at Springfield, Mass. In 1778 he was a member 
of Congress for the last time. The next year he closed his long, useful 
and arduous public career in the Assembly of his native state and 
retired crowned with the rich foliage of unfading honors-the growth 
of near half a century. The pure escutcheon of his public fame and 
private worth was without a spot to obscure its brilliant lustre. As a 
municipal officer, judge on the bench, legislator, Chief Magistrate of 
the Colony and member of the Continental Congress-he discharged 
his duties faithfully, honestly and ably-with an eye single to the glory 
of his country. 

As a public speaker Mr. Hopkins made no pretensions to elocution 
but was ever listened to with profound attention. His reasoning was 
strong-always to the point and his speeches short. His was a vigor- 
ous, clear, inquiring, analyzing mind, that surmounted every barriei 
with the same fortitude, energy and determined resolution that carried 
Bonaparte over the Alps, Roger Sherman to the pinnacle of fame, 
23 



178 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Franklin to the summit of science. He was a laborious and extensive 
reader and a friend to education. He was the principal founder of 
the Providence library in 1750 and when it was destroyed by fire in 
1760-contributed largely towards the purchase of a new supply of 
books. He was the father of the free school system still in successful 
operation in Rhode Island. He was a friend to unshackled religion- 
breathing charity for all whose deportment gave them the impress of 
divine grace-the only genuine touchstone of true piety. He admired 
most the creed of the Society of Friends who frequently held meet- 
ings at his house. All gospel ministers were made welcome to his 
hospitable mansion which many called the ministers tavern. He was 
plain in everything and deprecated pomp and vain show in others. 

In addition to his multifarious public duties he was extensively en- 
gaged in agriculture, manufactures and commerce. He was a sys- 
tematic and thorough business man-scrupulously honest, honorable 
and liberal. He never became wealthy but enjoyed a competence 
through life. He was repeatedly placed in the crucible of domestic 
affliction. Of the seven children by his first wife not one survived 
him. One son was murdered by the Indians, another died in Spain- 
the youngest, who was the fourth sea captain of the brothers, was 
presumed to have been lost at sea as his vessel was never heard from 
after leaving the port of Providence. 

The eventful career of patriarch Hopkins was closed on the 
13th of July 1785 after enduring the course of a lingering fever 
with the same calm fortitude that had marked his whole life. He 
had lived respected and esteemed-he died peaceful and happy. To 
the last moments of his life he retained full possession of his mental 
powers and approached the confines oP eternity with a seraphic 
smile that augured heaven. He had long labored under physical 
infirmities of a nervous nature. For many years it had been difficult 
for him to write his name in consequence of an attack of paralysis. 
His ashes rest peacefully in the city of Providence in his native state. 
His death produced a mournful sensation over the whole country. 

In the relations of husband, father, kinsman, friend, gentleman, 
citizen, benefactor, philanthropist, neighbor and Christian-this public 
sprited man and pure patriot was a model of human excellence. By 
the force of his own exertions he made himself one of the most useful 
men on record in our history. Let us all imitate his bright examples 
that we may do our duty in life, be triumphant in death and hnppy 
through the rolling ages of eternity. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 179 



FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 

Wit and wisdom are seldom both prominently developed in the same 
person. Wit serves to amuse or exhilarate but rarely produces useful 
reflection or an improvement of mind. It is emphatically a plume and 
exposes the head it ornaments to many an arrow from the bow of re- 
venge. Wit makes many conquests but no willing subjects. It pro- 
duces many bon mots and but few wise sayings. It is an undefined 
and undefinable propensity-more to be admired than coveted-more or- 
namental than useful-more volatile than solid-a dangerous sharp edge 
tool-like a coquette, pleasing company for the time being but not desi- 
rable for a life companion. 

Rare instances have occurred where the sage, statesman, philoso- 
pher and wit have been combined in the same person. Sheridan was 
such a man and in our own country Francis Hopkinson was the Ame- 
rican Sheridan. He was the son of Thomas Hopkinson of Philadelphia, 
born in that city in 1737. His father was a man of superior attain- 
ments-his mother one of the best and most intelligent matrons of that 
age. His father died in 1751 and left the widowed mother with limited 
means to struggle with all the accumulating difficulties of raising and 
educating a large family of children. 

Under her guidance and instruction young Francis improved rapidly 
in his education and exhibited a bright and promising intellect. To 
advance the interests of her children she confined herself to the abso- 
lute necessaries of life. Being devotedly pious, she took peculiar care 
in planting deeply in their tender minds the pure principles of virtue 
and cautiously guarding them against all the avenues of vice, the por- 
tals of which are ever open. She taught them the design of their crea- 
tion-the duty they owed to God and their fellow men and that to be 
truly happy they must be truly good. With this foundation firmly laid, 
she placed this son in the University of Pennsylvania where he gradu- 
ated at an early age and commenced the study of law under Benjamin 
Chew. He was a close student and made rapid advances in legal ac- 
quirements. He possessed a brilliant and flowing fancy, a lively ima- 
gination and captivating manners. Although ardently attached to the 
solid sciences he was fond of polite literature, poetry, music and paint- 
ing He excelled in humorous satire, keen as that of Swift and She- 
ridan. Fortunately these combined talents were brought into extensive 
usefulness. 



180 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

In 1765 he visited London where he continued two years making the 
acquaintance of the leading men of that metropolis and learning the 
'oolitical aspect and designs of the ministers toward his native country. 
He added largely to the fund of knowledge before acquired and came 
home prepared to work. 

Soon after his return he married the accomplished Ann Borden 
of Bordentown N. J. thus fulfilling an important part of the design of 
his creation. He also appreciated the value of the institution he had 
honored and the joys of connubial felicity. In rearing his children 
he took the system that had been so successfully adopted by his vene- 
rable mother whose instructions were fresh upon his memory. He 
could adopt no better plan or find a more perfect model to imitate. 
For a time the cares and pleasures of his family and his professional 
business engrossed his attention. A crisis soon arrived that arrested 
this translucent stream of happiness. The oppressions of the mother 
country had become alarming. Agitation had commenced among the 
people. The best services of every patriot were needed. His were 
promptly and efficiently rendered. It was for him to do much in open- 
ing the eyes of the great mass to a just sense of their violated rights. 
This he did by various publications written in a style so humorous and 
fascinating as to be generally read. He painted the injustice of the 
crown and the insults of its hirehng officers in vivid colors. His 
Pretty Story-his Letters to James Rivington-his Epistle to Lord 
Howe-his two Letters by a Tory-his translation of a Letter written 
by a Foreigner-his Political Chatechism and the New Roof-were all 
productions of taste and merit. They were of vast importance in 
rousing the people to a vindication of their rights-the achievement of 
their Independence. 

During the administration of Gov. Dickinson, political dissensions 
and party spirit rolled their mountain waves over Pennsyvlania threat- 
ening to destroy the fair fabric of her new government. The pen of 
Mr. Hopkinson was instrumental in restoring order. In an essay 
called-" A full and tru& Account of a violent Uproar which lately hap- 
pened in a very Eminent Family"-he exposed the factious partisans to 
such keen and severe ridicule that they threw down the weapons of 
rebellion sooner than if a thousand bayonets had been pointed at their 
breasts. 

He was among the first delegates elected to the Continental Congress 
and fearlessly recorded his name on the Declaration of Rights that has 
])roved a consolation to the sons of FrvEEDOM-a Boanerges to the ene- 
mies of Liberty. Always cheerful and sprightly, he contributed much 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 181 

towards dispelling the gloom that often pervaded the minds of his col- 
leagues amidst disaster and defeat. He knew their cause was right- 
eous-he believed Heaven would crown it with ultimate success and 
triumphant victory. His personal sacrifices had been many-still he 
was ever cheerful and illuminated all around him with flashes of the 
most brilliant wit. At the commencement of the struggle he held a 
lucrative situation in the Loan Office under the crown and was a fo- 
vorite of the king-but the king was not a favorite of his-he promptly 
severed the connection. With all his wit and humor he was firm as a 
Herculus. With the fancy of a poet he united the soundness of a sage- 
with the wit of a humorist he united the sagacity of a politician. 

He succeeded George Ross as Judge of the Admiralty Court and was 
subsequently Judge of the U. S. District Court in Philadelphia. He was 
highly esteemed for his judicial knowledge, impartial justice and correct 
decisions. He filled every station in which he was placed with credit 
and dignity. His frequent essays continued to do much towards cor- 
recting the morals of society by ridiculing its evils and abuses. Guided 
by a sound discretion, sarcasm and satire are the most powerful weapons 
wielded by man. Their smart upon the mind is like cantharides on the 
skin but often requires something more than a cabbage leaf and cerate 
to heal it. The wit of Mr. Hopkinson was of a noble cast flowing from 
a rich and chaste imagination-never violating the rules of propriety- 
always confined within the pale of modesty but keen as a finely finished 
rapier. He was an admirer of sound common sense and a zealous 
advocate of Common School education. He properly appreciated the 
bone and sinew of our country and knew well that the perpetuity of our 
Liberty depends more upon the general diflijsion of useful knowledge fit 
for every day use in the ever varying business concerns of life than upon the 
high toned literature of colleges and universities. He admired the indus- 
trious mechanic-he esteemed the honest farmer. In the yoemanry of the 
soil and inmates of the shops he recognized the defenders of our country. 

The useful career of Judge Hopkinson was closed prematurely by an 
apoplectic fit on the 9th of May 179L He left a widow, two sons and 
three daughters to mourn his untimely end and their irreparable loss. 
He was amiable and urbane in his manners-open and generous in his 
feelings-noble and liberal in his views-charitable and benevolent in his 
purposes-an agreeable and pleasant companion-a kind and faithful 
husband-an afl^ectionate and tender parent-a stern and inflexible patriot- 
a consistent and active citizen-a useful and honest man. He was like 
some rare flowers-while their beauty pleases their medicinal qualities are 
of great value. In the hands of such men our UNION can be preserved. 



182 THE SAGES AND HEROES 



• WILLIAM HOOPER. 

Am astute writer has beautifully observed-" If the sea was ink, the 
trees pens and the earth parchment, they would not be sufficient to write 
down all the praises due to God for Liberty." How few there are in our 
wide spread Republic who realize the truth of this sublime sentiment. How 
few among the directors of the destiny of our nation who make the law 
of God the beginning of wisdom. This apothegm is based upon reason, 
justice and sound philosophy. No sophistry can controvert it-no casuistry 
entangle it. To shun all wrong and practise all right is the great 
desideratum of earthly bliss. Vice is crowned with thorns and plumed 
with thistles. All the evil passions are a laboratory for the manufacture 
of the miseries of human life. The futile pleasures of earth-vanity, vain 
glory-the whole category may be richly clustered with blossoms but 
bear no nutritious fruit. We must look to the great Author of all good 
for substantial enjoyment. We must implicitly obey his laws to be truly 
wise. The greatest men who have ever graced the stage of action fully 
recognized the power and feared to offend the great Jehovah. The Sages 
and Heroes of the American Revolution were constantly under the 
influence of this salutary principle. This is inferred from their writings, 
examples and the proceedings of the Continental Congress. Days of 
humiliation and prayer were frequently fixed and recommended by 
legislative proclamation by the general government and by the states. 

Among those of the sages who appear to have lived in the fear of God 
was William Hooper, born at Boston, Massachussetts, on the 17th of 
June 1742. He was the son of the Rev. William Hooper who came from 
Kelso, south of Scotland and was for many years pastor of> Trinity 
Church in Boston. He was a man of high accomplishments, a finished 
scholar, a learned theologian, an eloquent preacher, a devoted Christian, 
a useful and beloved pastor. Being of a slender constitution William 
received the first rudiments of his education from his father. At the age 
of seven he entered the school of Mr. Lovell where he remained eight 
years. He then became a student of Harvard University. His talents 
were of a high order-his industry untiring. JTe was ever averse to 
tleeting pleasures and trifling amusements. During vacation he explored 
his father's library instead of indulging in a relaxation from study and 
mingling in the convivial circle. He had a great taste for the classics 
and belles lettres. He paid close attention to elocution and composition. 
He aimed at refinement in everything. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 183 

He graduated in 1760 and commenced the study of law under James 
Otis one of the most distinguished counsellors of that time. From the 
piety he had exhibited from his youth his father had hoped he would 
incline to the pulpit but freely yielded to his choice. He was a thorough 
law student and was admitted to the Bar richly laden with the elements 
of his profession. By several wealthy connections residing in Wilming- 
ton, North Carolina, he was induced to locate at that place where he 
soon obtained a lucrative business. To convince the people that he con- 
templated a permanent residence and a fulfilment of all the noble 
designs of his creation-he married Anna Clark, a lady of unusual 
accomplishments, strength of mind and high attainments. His legal 
fame rose rapidly upon a substantial basis. In 1768 he was employed 
to conduct several important public trials which he managed with so 
much skill and address as to place him in the first rank of able advocates. 
He was treated with marked attention by Governors Tryon and Martin 
and by Chief Justice Howard. His estimable character, superior 
talents and extensive influence were worth securing for their royal 
master. The ulterior object they had in view it required no Daniel to 
interpret. Mr. Hooper was one who had no price. He was not a man 
of principle according to his personal interest but a noble patriot of the 
first water. He had received his legal education in Boston where the 
designs of the British ministers had been probed for years. He had 
imbibed liberal views, was a friend to equal rights and had planted 
himself upon the firm basis of eternal justice from which flattery could 
not seduce or dangers drive him. 

Previous to the Revolution he gave a sample of his moral and per- 
sonal courage worthy of record. In 1766 a danf^orous association 
was formed in North Carolina called Regulators-composed mostly of 
poor, ignorant, desperate men who were led by those of more intelli- 
gence but with baser hearts who promised them large rewards in the 
end. They had increased so rapidly that in 1770 they amounted to 
three thousand. They opposed the civil authorities-drove the judges 
from the bench, committed personal outrages and threatened to destroy 
all order, defying civil and military power. Mr. Hooper took a bold 
stand against them-advised a prompt attack by the military-his plan 
was approved-a severe battle ensued-the insurgents were dispersed 
and quiet restored. In 1773 he was elected to the Assembly of 
his province at the very time the creatures of the crown attempted 
to throw a ministerial coil around the people. In William Hooper 
they found a troublesome customer-a bold, fearless, eloquent, un- 
compromising opponent to their schemes of tyranny. In the legis- 



184 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

lative hall he met them with unanswerable arguments. By a series 
of essays he spread their designs before the people. He was no longer 
flattered by the crown officers but became a favorite with those he 
esteemed more highly-the people who returned him again to the 
Assembly. A question came before that body that tested the powers 
of Mr. Hooper. The statute creating the judiciary had expired. In 
framing a new one an attempt was made to model it so as to meet the 
designs of the British cabinet. So powerful was the influence of this 
friend of the people that he kept his opponents at bay and the province 
was a year without courts. He was then fully before his constituents 
the champion of equal rights. By the people he stood approved and 
admired. 

On the 25th of August he was elected to the general Congress in 
which he rendered efficient services. He was one of the important 
committee that prepared a statement of the rights of the colonies, the 
manner these rights had been infringed and the most probable means 
of effecting their restoration. He was one of the committee that 
reported the statutes that affected the trade and manufactures of the 
colonies. Upon the report of these two committees the proceedings of 
that Congress were based which raises a fair presumption that the 
very best men were placed upon them. The next year he was re- 
turned to Congress and was chairman of a committee to prepare an 
address to the people of Jamaica relative to British oppression. It 
was written by him in a bold and vigorous style and proved conclu- 
sively that ministerial insolence was lost in ministerial barbarity-that 
resistance or slavery had become the issue. 

On the 12th of June 1775 Mr. Hooper offered the following pream- 
ble and resolution which were passed by Congress, corroborating the 
intimation in the exordium to this article. 

" It is at all times an indispensable duty devoutly to acknowledge 
the superintending providence of the great Governor of the world, 
especially in times of impending danger and public calamity-to rever- 
ence and adore His immutable justice as well as to implore his mer- 
ciful interposition for our deliverance-therefore 

Resolved-That it is recommended by Congress that the people of 
the American Colonies observe the 20th day of July next as a day of 
public humiHation, fasting and prayer." 

The zeal and exertions of this ardent patriot in the glorious cause 
of freedom were constant and vigorous. He served industriously in 
committee rooms and was greatly esteemed as a forcible debater in the 
House. In the spring of 1776 he was a member of the conventions 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION- 185 

that convened at Hillsborough and Halifax in N. C. and was one of 
the leading and most eloquent speakers. He also prepared an address 
to the people of the British empire which was written with great 
nerve and energy. He then took his seat in Congress and boldly sup- 
ported the Declaration of Independence. He had long been convinced 
of its necessity and rejoiced to find his views so warmly supported by 
the ablest men of that eventful era. When the thrilling moment 
arrived to take the final question his vote and signature sanctioned 
the bold measure. 

In February 1777 he obtained leave of absence from Congress and 
returned to his family. When the news of the defeat of Washington 
at Germantown reached him he was surrounded by a circle of his 
friends who seemed dismayed at the intelligence. He rose calmly 
from his seat and earnestly remarked-" We have been disappointed 
but now that we have become the assailants there can be no doubt of 
the issue." Before his return from Congress his property at Wilming- 
ton had suffered from royal vengeance. His personal safety was ther 
in jeopardy-he was compelled to flee to the interior to avoid the hemp. 
His family had removed several times. He and all the signers had 
made arrangements with the French minister to remove to one of the 
French West India islands in the event of the failure to maintain Inde- 
pendence. He did not return to Wilmington until it was evacuated 
by the enemy in 1781. During his absence his family remained ex- 
posed to the proverbial insults of his Christian majesty's officers and 
soldiers. He remained in the province for the purpose of rousing the 
people to action and was an efficient member of the new government. 
In 1782 he removed to Hillsborough for the purpose of resuscitating 
his long neglected private affairs and again took his place at the Bar. 
In 1786 he was appointed by Congress a member of the court organ- 
ized to determine the controversy between New York and Massachu- 
setts relative to disputed territory which was amicably settled by the 
parties. 

Mr. Hooper continued to aid in the legislation of his adopted state 
and pursue his profession until 1787 when his health became impaired 
which compelled him to retire from public life and the bar and seek 
that repose in domestic enjoyment that had always been more conge- 
nial to his mind than public stations however lofty. In his retirement 
he carried with him the esteem of his fellow citizens and the gratitude 
of a nation of freemen. Not a blemish soiled the bright escutcheon of 
his public character or private reputation. He had served his country 
faithfully and sacrificed his fortune on the altar of liberty. With the 
24 



186 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

strictest fidelity he had discharged tiie duties of husband, father, Inend. 
citizen, lawyer, patriot, statesman. From the high eminence of con- 
scious integrity he looked down upon a life well spent. With the eyes 
of faith he looked forward to a crown of unfading glory. In October 
1790 he closed his eyes in death and returned to the bosom of that God 
whom to fear is the beginning of wisdom. Dear relatives, ardent 
friends and a grateful nation mourned his premature death. Mr. 
Hooper was of the middle height, slender and elegant in form, gentle- 
manly and engaging in his manners, with strangers rather reserved, 
with his friends frank and familiar, free from affectation, of a serious 
turn, at all times candid and sincere. His countenance beamed with 
intelligence and benignity, his powers of conversation were pleasing, 
instructive, chaste and classical. His habits were in strict accordance 
with the religion he exemplified. His disposition was benevolent, hos- 
pitable and kind. As a public speaker he was eloquent, logical, per- 
suasive, sometimes sarcastic. As a whole he was among the best spe- 
cimens of man as he comes from the clean hands of the Creator. 
Whilst we admire his virtues let us imitate his examples. 



SAMUEL HUNTINGTON. 

Consistency is the crowning glory of meritorious fame. It is a 
bright jewel in the escutcheon of a name. It sheds a radiating lustre 
over the actions of men. " Be consistent" was a Roman motto and 
once guided its sages, heroes and literati in the path of duty-the surest 
path of safety. Consistency dignifies the man and prepares him for 
noble and god-like deeds. It is based upon wisdom and discretion-the 
pilot and helm of the bark of life in navigating the ocean of time. 
Without it the breakers of chaos, the sand bars of folly-the rocks of 
disaster cannot be avoided. Without it the brightness of other talents 
and attainments of a high order are often eclipsed by the clouds of 
error and obscured by the breath of ridicule. With it-mediocrity 
shines and enables the plough-boy of the field-the mill-boy of the 
slashes-the apprentice of the shop to reach the pinnacle of enduring 
fame and leave the indiscreet classical scholar to sink into a useless 
gilded ornament in the world. Dr. Young has truly said-" With the 
talents of an angel a man may be a fool." Consistency is susceptible 
of cultivation and should be kindly and earnestly pressed upon youth 
by parents and teachers. It is of more importance than the entire con- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 187 

tents <)f the magazine of classic lore combined with an eloquence thai 
could move the world of mankind. 

The sages of the American Revolution were remarkable for con- 
sistency. Many of them rose from the humble walks of life to emi- 
nence by the force of their own exertions guided by this darling attri- 
bute and became the most useful men of that eventful epoch. 

Among this class Samuel Huntington held a respectable rank. He 
was born on the 2d of July 1732 at Windham, Connecticut. He was 
the son of Nathaniel Huntington a plain farmer, who gave this son only 
a common English education whilst three of the others graduated at 
Yale College, all of whom became ministers of the gospel, one of them 
attaining a fair eminence as a theological writer. Their pious mother 
led them to the pure fountain of gospel truth and had the pleasure of 
seeing the four walking hand in hand towards the goal of unfading joy. 
Samuel followed the plough until he was twenty-two years of age. He 
was remarkable for industry and sterling honesty. He was an exten- 
sive reader and a close observer of men and things. His native talent 
was strong, his judgnient clear, his reflections deep. From his child- 
hood to his grave consistency chastened every action. This was his 
strong forte and insured his success through life. It was a passport 
beyond the power of a college to give. 

Samuel Huntington went from the plough to the study of law in his 
father's house, loaning books from Zedekiah Elderkin of the Norwich 
bar. With astonishing rapidity he mastered the elementary books- 
was admitted and opened an oflice in his native town. His reputation 
as an honest and consistent man was already on a firm basis. His 
fame as a safe counsellor and able advocate soon added another story 
to this superstructure. He did not aim at Ciceronean power or De- 
mosthenean eloquence but closely imitated Solon and Socrates. His 
manner was plain but marked by a deep sincerity that seldom fails to 
impress the minds of a court and jury favorably-often foiling the most 
brilliant displays of forensic eloquence. With his other strong quali- 
ties he combined the motive power of business-puNcxuALixY. Although 
he had gained a lucrative practice in his native town he removed to 
Norwich in 1760 where a wider field opened before him. Carrying 
out the principle of consistency, in 1762 he emerged from the lonely 
regions of celibacy with Martha, the accomplished daughter of Ebe- 
nezer Devotion and entered the delightful bowers of matrimony-thus 
giving him and her an importance in society unknown to single bles- 
sedness. Martha proved an amiable companion-blending the accom- 



188 THE SAGES ANl; HEROES 

plishments of a lady, the industry of a housewife, the economy that en- 
riches, the dignity of a matron-the piety of a Christian. 

In 1764 Mr. Huntington was elected to the Assembly and made a 
very efficient member. In 1765 he was appointed king's attorney and 
performed the duties of that office until the pestiferous atmosphere of 
monarchical oppression drew him from under the dark mantle of a cor- 
rupt and impolitic ministry. In 1774 he was elevated to the bench of 
the Superior Court and the next year was a member of the Council 
of his state. When the all important subject of American rights and 
British wrongs came under discussion he threw the whole force of his 
influence in favor of the cause of equal rights. In October 1775 he 
took his seat in the Continental Congress and became a prominent and 
useful member. In January following he again took his seat in the 
Hall of Independence and fearlessly advocated the necessity of cutting 
the Gordian knot that held the Colonies to England. The solemnity 
of his manner, the strong force of his reasoning, the lucid demonstra- 
tions of his propositions and the unvarnished sincerity of his patriotism- 
were calculated to carry conviction to every heart and impart confi- 
dence to the wavering and timid. He was present at the birth of our 
nation on the 4th of July 1776 and aided in presenting the admired 
infant at the sacred font of Liberty and became a subscribing witness 
to the imposing ceremonies of that eventful day. He was continued 
in Congress until 1781 when ill health compelled him to retire for a 
season. 

He was a man of great industry, honesty of purpose, profound re- 
search, clearness of perception and had acquired a large fund of prac- 
tical knowledge. Human nature he had studied closely. He was well 
versed in general business, political economy, principles of government 
and rules of legislation which gave him a place upon important com- 
mittees. He succeeded Mr. Jay as President of Congress and so ably 
discharged the duties of that responsible station that when compelled 
to retire from ill health a vote of thanks was placed upon the record. 
Hoping that he might be able to return the chair was not permanently 
filled for a long time. During a part of the interim of his absence from 
Congress he presided on the bench and was a short time in Council. 
In 1783 he returned to Congress and at the termination of the session 
declined a re-election. He had aided in finishing the mighty work ot 
national frecdom-the star spangled banner was floating in the breeze 
of Liberty-his country had triumphed over a merciless foe-her politi- 
f'al regeneration had been consummated-America was disenthralled 
and ne desired retirement from public life. This he was not pennitif.d 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 189 

lo enjoy. In 1784 he was appointed Chief Justice of his state-the en- 
suing year Lieutenant Governor and the next year was elected Gover- 
nor of Connecticut, which office he held until the 5th of January 1796, 
when death took him from earth and its toils. He had lived the life 
of the righteous man-his last end was like his. He was a ripe shock 
full of corn-uniformly beloved in life-deeply mourned in death. 

Mr. Huntington was a man of middle stature, dark complexion, keen 
eyes, countenance expressive, with a deportment calculated to make a 
favorable impression at first sight. In his life we find much to admire- 
nothing to condemn. His superior virtues and uniform consistency 
eclipsed the frailties of his nature. In the performance of all the duties 
of public and private life he was a model worthy of the closest imita- 
tion. From the plough in the field through his bright career to the 
presidential chair in Congress-to the chief magistracy of his own state- 
his every action was marked with consistency. His fame is based 
upon substantial merit-he rendered his name dear to every freeman. 
The history of his examples should exercise a salutary influence over 
the mind of every reader capable of appreciating the high importance 
of being consistent in all things and of perpetuating our UNION 
through all time. 



WILLIAM IRVINE. 

MoBocRACY is a fearful spirit that is roused to action by a greater 
variety of elements than either of the unfortunate propensities of human 
nature. Based upon the boiling anger of those -who put this ball in 
motion-reason is dethroned-reflection paralyzed-justice unheeded- 
mercy banished-the laws disregarded-power defied. It is the volcano 
of human society-the earthquake of social order-the whirlpool of bru- 
tality-the vortex of destruction. It is fanned by fell revenge-inflamed 
with burning fury -propelled by reckless impulse-delights in human 
gore-revels in demoniac confusion-rides on the tornado of faction- 
snuffs the whirlwind of discord and provokes the indignation of all 
peaceful citizens. 

Occasions, rarely occur to justify these sudden demonstrations of dis- 
order and more rarely result in good. Deliberate action is usually the 
best to remedy evils that exist in fact-most certainly the best to cure 
those that are only imaginary. Thus reasoned the Sages and Heroes 
of the American Revolution and governed themselves accordingly. 
After petitions and entreaties for redress failed to remove the wrongs 



190 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

heaped upon ihem-a systematic and dignified mode of resistance was 
adopted-not mobocracy. They could then appeal to Heaven for the 
justice of their cause and elicited the admiration of gazing nations in 
the course they pursued. 

Among those who put forth their noblest exertions to advance the 
interests of the cause of equal rights was William Irvine who was 
born near Enniskillen, Ireland, in 1742. His ancestors removed from 
the north of Scotland to the Emerald Isle. His grandfather was an 
officer in the corps of grenadiers that fought so desperately at the 
battle of the Boyne. The grandfather of General Wayne was a brave 
officer in the same service. The noble descendants of both were in the 
same corps in the glorious cause of American Independence. 

After completing his school education Mr. Irvine became a student 
of the celebrated Dr. Cleghorn and proved to be an excellent surgeon 
and physician. On the completion of his studies he was appointed a 
surgeon on board a British man of war where he served for several 
years with great diligence and success. In 1763 he came to America 
and located at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. His eminent talents-professional 
acquirements and large experience, soon gained for him a liberal prac- 
tice and proud reputation. Having no innate love for mother Britain, 
he was prepared to meet the fearful crisis of the American Revolution, 
There were numerous powerful influences in Pennsylvania adverse to 
war with England. There was a large number of the Society of 
Friends opposed to war under all circumstances, although quick to 
seize the benefits resulting from it. The Proprietary interests were 
very extensive and in favor of the crown. To rouse the people to 
resistance was a herculean task. In this work Mr. Irvine was active 
and successful. He was a member of the several preliminary conven- 
tions in the colony and became extensively influential in preparing the 
people for action. 

In January 1776 he was commissioned to raise and command a regi- 
ment which duty he performed promptly. On the 10th of the following 
June he joined Gen. Thompson's brigade with his troops near the vil- 
lage of Trois Rivieres. A disastrous attack was immediately made 
upon the vanguard of the British army stationed at that place. Gen. 
Thompson, Col. Irvine and near two hundred subordinate officers and 
privates were taken prisoners and sent to Quebec. An exchange was 
not effected until April 1778. On his return Gen. Irvine was put in 
command of the second Pennsylvania brigade and continued in that 
position until 1781. He was then transferred to Pittsburgh and assigned 
to the important and delicate duty of guarding the north-western fron- 




KVORAVEO Br r.B IfELCH.FBOMA FOnitmTBr C STUAHJ 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 191 

tier. It was important because difficult to obtain supplies and was 
menaced with British and Indians. It was delicate because there ex- 
isted strong animosities between the first inhabitants of that region and 
those from Western Virginia who claimed the territory occupied. 
Under these circumstances the appointment was a high compliment 
from the sagacious Washington. The happy results were a strong 
eulogy upon the wisdom of both. Gen. Irvine succeeded in reconciling 
the two contending factions-brought order out of confusion and restored 
harmony and good feeling among those who had long been at vari- 
ance. This augmented his strength against the enemy and increased 
the confidence of the people in that entire section of country. He was 
continued in that command until the war closed and the star spangled 
banner waved triumphantly over the United States of America. 

In 1786 Gen. Irvine was elected to Congress and proved an efficient 
and valuable member. He was active and useful in the board to settle 
the accounts between the states and the general government. He was 
a member of the Pennsylvania convention that sanctioned the Federal 
Constitution. In 1796 he was one of the commissioners who were 
despatched to visit the whiskey boys and endeavor to bring them back 
to reason, duty and safety. When it became necessary to order out a 
military force to quell the insurrection Gen. Irvine was put in com- 
mand of the Pennsylvania troops. 

A short time after he rendered this last service in the tented field he 
removed to Philadelphia. He there received the appointment of In- 
tendant of military stores which office was subsequently long and ably 
filled by his son Callender. He was also President of the Society of 
Cincinnati. Peacefully and calmly Gen. Irvine glided down the stream 
of time until the summer of 1804 when he closed his active and useful 
career and took his departure for " that country from whose bourne no 
traveller returns." He had lived highly respected-his death was deeply 
mourned. His public and private reputation were untarnished-he per- 
formed all the duties of life nobly and fulfilled the great design of his 
creation. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 

Genuine moral courage is a sterling virtue-the motive power of 
the true dignity of man. It invigorates the mind like a refreshing 
dew falling gently on the flowers of spring. It is a heavenly spark- 
animating the immortal soul with the fire of purity that illuminates 



192 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

ibe path of rectitude. It is an attribute that opposes all wrong and 
propels its possessor right onward to the performance of all right. 
Based on virtue and equity, it spurns vice in all its borrowed and de- 
lusive forms. It courts no servile favors-fears no earthly scrutiny. 
No flattery can seduce it-no eclat allure-no bribe purchase-no tyrant 
awe-no misfortune bend-no intrigue corrupt-no adversity crush-no 
tortures can subdue it. On its breastplate is inscribed in bold relievo- 
Fiat justitia-ruat codum. [Let justice be done though the heavens 
fall.] Without it, fame is ephemeral-renown transient. It is the saline 
basis of a good name that gives enduring richness to its memory. It 
is a pillar of light to revolving thought-the polar star that points to 
duty, secures merit and leads to victory. It is the soul of reason-the 
essence of wisdom-the crowning glory of mental power. It was this 
that nerved the leaders of the American Revolution to noble and god- 
like action. 

In the front rank of this band of patriots stood Thomas Jefferson, 
who was born at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Virginia, on the 24th 
of April 1743. His ancestors were among the early pioneers of the 
Old Dominion and highly respectable. They were Republicans to the 
core-in affluent circumstances and exercised an extensive and happy 
influence. 

Thomas was the son of Peter Jefferson, a man much esteemed in 
public and private life. The liberal feelings imbibed from him by 
this son were conspicuous at an early age. From his childhood the 
mind of Thomas Jefferson assumed a high elevation took a broad 
and expansive view of men and things. 

He was educated at the college of Wilham and Mary and was 
always found at the head of his class. Untiring industry in the ex- 
ploration of the fields of science marked his collegiate career. He 
analyzed every subject he investigated, passing through the opening 
avenues of literature with astonishing celerity. His mind became 
enraptured with the history of classic Greece and republican Rome. 
Improving upon the suggestions of liberal principles found in the clas- 
sics, he early matured his political creed and opposed every kind of 
government tinctured with the shadow of monarchy, hierarchy or 
aristocracy. 

After completing his collegiate course he commenced the study of 
law under Chancellor Wythe, whose liberal views were calculated to 
mature and strengthen those already preponderating in the mind of 
Jefferson. With regard to the oppressions of the mother country-the 
justice and necessity of resistance by the Colonies, their kindred hearts 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 193 

Deat in unison. By a thorough investigation of the principles of law 
and government, Jefferson became rapidly prepared to enter upon the 
great theatre of public life-the service of his injured country. Plant- 
ing himself upon the broad basis of Magna Charta-encircling himself 
within the pale of the British Constitution-he demonstrated most 
clearly that the ministry of the crown had long been rapidly advanc- 
ing beyond the bounds of their legitimate authority-exercising a 
tyranny over the Colonies not delegated to them by the constitution 
of the monarchy they represented. So luminous were his expositions 
of chartered rights on the one hand and accumulating wrongs on the 
other, that he became the nucleus of a band of patriots resolved on 

LIBERTY OR DEATH. 

At the age of twenty-two he was elected to the legislature which 
enabled him to disseminate his liberal principles throughout the 
Colony. He proclaimed himself the unyielding advocate of equal 
rights and had engraved upon his watch seal-" Resistance to tyrants 
is obedience to God." By his eloquence and unanswerable arguments 
he kindled the flame of opposition in old Virginia which increased as 
tyranny advanced. In 1769 a resolution was passed by the legisla- 
ture-wo^ to import a single article from Great Britain. In the advocacy 
of this proposition by Mr. Jefferson, the adherents of the crown were 
astonished at the boldness and firmness with which he exposed and 
laid bare the venal corruption of the British cabinet. It gave a fresh 
impetus to the cause of Liberty just bursting into life. 

With ample pecuniary means-with talents equal to the work he had 
undertaken, his soul illuminated with the fire of patriotism-his indig- 
nation roused against the hirelings of the king-his sympathies excited 
by the sufferings of his country-his moral courage raised to the zenith 
of its glory-Mr. Jefferson was amply armed for the conflict and be- 
came one of the master spirits of the Revolution-a gigantic champion 
of universal freedom-a pillar of fire, flashing terror and dismay into 
the ranks of the foe. 

He wrote " A Summary View of the Rights of British America"- 
addressed it to the king respectfully but very plainly pointed to the true 
position of the two countries and the final result of the policy of minis- 
ters. The following is an extract. " Open your breast, sire, to liberal 
end expanded thought. It behooves you to think and act for your 
people. The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every 
reader. To perceive them needs not the aid of many counsellors. 
The whole art ef government consists in the art of being honest." 
The art of being ho?iest in matters of government is a knotty problem 
25 



194 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

for some modern politicians to solve. Were they all honest a political 
millennium would illuminate our country-bring us back to primitive 
tangible landmarks and unmask multitudes of political vi^olves cun- 
ningly dressed in sheep's clothing. 

"So exasperated was Lord Dunmore on perusing this article from the 
pen of Jefferson that he threatened to arrest him for high treason. 
Finding most of the members of the legislature, then in session, quite 
as treasonable in their views he at once dissolved that body. 

The following year the British ministry, in answer to petitions for 
redress of grievances, sent to the legislature of the Old Dominion a 
series of propositions that they termed conciliatory but which added 
insult to injury. Their fallacy was exposed by Mr. Jefferson in such a 
masterly strain of eloquent burning logic and sarcasm, that conviction 
was carried to a large majority of his colleagues. They were referred 
to a committee which reported an answer written by him and was very 
similar to the Declaration of Independence. This reply was immedi- 
ately adopted. The ball of resistance was put in motion-the electric 
fluid of patriotism commenced its insulating powers in the north and 
south-extending from sire to son, from heart to heart, until the two 
streams of fire met in the centre-then rising in grandeur, formed the 
luminous arch of Freedom-its chord extending from Maine to Geor- 
gia-its versed sine resting on the city of Penn. 

Under its zenith at Philadelphia, Mr. Jefferson took his seat in the 
Continental Congress on the 21st of June 1775. Although one of the 
youngest members of that venerated assembly of patriotic sages, he 
was hailed as one of its main pillars. Known as a man of superior 
intelligence, liberal sentiments, strict integrity, stern republicanism and 
unbending patriotism-his influence was strongly felt and judiciously 
exercised. 

Fi'om the beginning he advocated a separation from the mother 
country and ably met every objection urged against it. In his view, 
oppression, not recognised by Magna Charta, had dissolved all alle- 
giance to the crown-that the original contract had been cancelled on 
the heights of Lexington by American blood. Submission was no 
longer a virtue-the measure of wrongs had been overflowing for years 
-public sentiment demanded the sundering of the Gordian knot-a v:.'ce 
from Heaven proclaimed in tones of thunder-" Let my people go." 

The following year the Declaration of Independence was proposed. 
Mr. Jefferson was appointed chairman of the committee to prepare this 
momentous document. The work was assigned to him by his col- 
leat^ues. He performed the task with a boldness of design and beauty 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 195 

of execution before unknown and yet unrivalled. The substantial 
result of his labor has long been before the world. Admiring nations 
have united in bestowing the highest encomiums upon this sacred in- 
strument. As a masterpiece of composition-a lucid exposition of the 
rights of man-the principles of a free government-the sufferings of an 
oppressed people-the abuses of a corrupt ministry and the effects of 
monarchy upon the destinies of man-it stands unequalled. Pure in its 
origin-graphic in its delineations-benign in its influence and salutary 
in its results-it has become the chart of patriots over the civilized . 
world. It is the ne plus ultra [nothing more beyond] of a gigantic 
mind raised to its loftiest elevation by the finest touches of creative 
Power-displaying its noblest efforts-brightest conceptions-holiest zeal- 
purest desires-happiest conclusions. It combines the attributes of jus- 
•tice-the flowers of eloquence-the force of logic-the soul of wisdom. 
It is the grand palladium of equal rights— the polar star of rational 
LiBERTY-the Magna Charta of universal freedom and has crowned its 
author with laurels of enduring fame. 

In the autumn of 1776 Mr. Jefierson was appointed a commissioner 
to the court of France in conjunction with Messrs. Franklin and 
Deane for the purpose of forming a treaty of alliance. Ill health of 
himself and family and an urgent necessity for his services in his 
native state, induced him to decline the proffered honor and resign his 
seat in Congress. 

He was immediately elected to the first legislature of his state con- 
vened under the new Constitution. On taking his seat in that body his 
attention was at once dii'ected to the demolition of the judicial code 
which had emanated from the British Parliament. The work of rear- 
ing a new superstructure was mostly performed by him. The first bill 
he introduced was aimed at the slave trade and prohibited the farther 
importation of negroes into, Virginia. This is a triumphant refutation 
of the accusation often reiterated against Mr. Jefferson-//ia/ he was an 
advocate of slavery. To its principles he and a large majority of the 
South were always opposed and submitted to it practically by entail. 
It is a fact beyond dispute that he struck the first blow in the Colonies 
at the unhallowed trade of importing human beings for the purpose of 
consigning them to bondage. That this was the first great step towards 
a correction of the most cruel feature of this system, originated by phi- 
lanthropic England, is equally true. To transfer those negroes, born 
in the United States, from one section of this country to another, bears 
no comparison in cruelty to the heart-rending barbarity of forcing the 
African from his native home-even should he fall into the hands of 



196 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

those emancipalors who, instead of returning him to his native shores- 
put him an " apprentice" to hard labor on their own plantations. Con- 
sistency thou art a jewel rather rare. Common humanity forbids the 
sudden emancipation of the slaves as proposed by emissary Thomp- 
son and his converts. 

Mr. Jefferson next effected the passage of bills destroying entails- 
primogeniture-the church as established by England and various 
others-assimilating the entire system of jurisprudence in the state to 
. its republican form of government. He reported one hundred and 
twenty-six bills, most of which were passed and constitute the present 
much admired statutory code of Virginia. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was called to the gubernatorial chair of his 
native state, then surrounded by perils. The British troops, led on by the 
proud Tarleton and the traitor Arnold, were spreading death and de-' 
vastation over the Old Dominion and contemplated the capture of the 
governor. Terror seized the more timid patriots-the boldest were 
alarmed at the approach of the merciless foe. The energy of the go- 
vernor was equal to the emergency. He rallied the bone and sinew 
of old Virginia, who " with hearts of oak and nerves of steel," checked 
the enemy in their bold career of indiscriminate slaughter. He im- 
parted confidence and vigor to the desponding and roused them to bold 
and noble action. He dispersed the black cloud that hung over his 
bleeding state and inspired the friends of liberty with cheering hopes 
of ultimate success. So highly were his services appreciated during 
the eventful term of his administration that the legislature entered upon 
their records a unanimous vote of thanks to him for the able and effi- 
cient manner he had discharged his public duties-highly complimenting 
his talents, rectitude, moral courage and stern integrity. 

In 1783 he again took his seat in Congress-one of the brightest lumi- 
naries in the galaxy of statesmen. The chaste and m-oving address to 
Washington when he surrendered his commission, was from the soul- 
stirring pen of Jefferson. He was chairman of the committee to form 
a territorial government for the extensive regions of the then far west. 
True to his long cherished desire to ultimately emancipate the negro, 
he introduced a clause prohibiting slavery in any of the territories or 
the states that should be formed from them after 1800. 

In May, 1784 he was a minister plenipotentiary in conjunction with 
Dr. Franklin and John Adams, with power to negotiate treaties of 
commerce with several European nations. In July he embarked for 
France and arrived in Paris on the 6th of August. During his absence 
he visited several foreign courts but spent most of his time in France. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 197 

IJe commanded the highest respect and was made a welcome guest in 
the halls of literature, legislation and jurisprudence. Kings and cour- 
tiers treated him with profound deference and were convinced intelli- 
gence and talent were not exclusively confined to the old world. 

He was in Paris when the French Revolution commenced and was 
often consulted by the leading members of the national convention 
relative to the best course to be pursued in order to establish their go- 
vernment upon the Republican basis. So far as was proper he gave his 
opinions freely in favor of rational Liberty. 

He returned on the 23d of November 1789 and was received with 
great enthusiasm and kindness by his fellow citizens. Soon after his 
arrival he resigned his ministerial commission and became Secretary 
of State under President Washington. The appointment was a com- 
pliment to the matured judgment of the chief magistrate and proved 
a lasting benefit to our country. Familiar with every principle of 
government-comprehending the requisites necessary to perfect and 
perpetuate the new confederation-he proposed amendments to the 
constitution, which, with some suggested by John Adams and others, 
were adopted. He did much towards reducing the new order of 
things to harmonious system. Well versed in diplomacy, international 
law and the policy of European courts-he was prepared to plant the 
permanent land marks of foreign intercourse which stand as beacon 
lights to guide our nation safely in its onward career. A reciprocity 
of commerce and honorable peace with other governments-a rigid 
neutrality with belligerents-a careful avoidance of entangling alli- 
ances were some of his leading principles. To submit to nothing that 
was clearly xcrong-io ask for nothing that was not clearly right-wdiS a 
doctrine of Jefferson forcibly inculcated in his able correspondence 
with the French ministers during the brief period of their Republic. 
This motto has been handed down from sire to son and is firmly nailed 
to the flag staff" of the star spangled banner. 

To the domestic concerns of our country he devoted a laudable and 
laborious attention. He recommended the adoption of a uniform 
system of currency, weights, measures and many other things de- 
signed to advance the best interest of the infant Republic. He urged 
the importance of protecting our fisheries and of encouraging enter- 
prise in all the branches of industry. He demonstrated the advan- 
tages of every species of commerce and the necessity of preventing 
others from monopolizing the sources that legitimately belonged to the 
United States. He exhibited a masterly exposition of existing facts, 
showing the increasing policy of European courts to restrict the inter- 



IDS THE SAGES AND HEROES 

course of America that they might engross trade. He submitted to 
Congress an elaborate and able report relative to the privileges ana 
restrictions of the commercial intercourse of this with other countries, 
which showed great foresight, close observation and thorough investi- 
gation. It received great attention and was the foundation of a series 
of resolutions introduced by Mr. Madison, embracing the doctrines it 
contained-forming tlie great line of demarkation between the old school 
federal and democratic parties. It would require a skilful engineer to 
trace the original line tww in consequence of the rapid growth of under 
brush. 

Having served his country long and faithfully and contributed 
largely in placing her on the great highway of freedom and pros- 
perity, Mr. Jefferson retired from public life on the 31st of December 
1793 enjoying for a season the more peaceful and substantial comforts 
of life at Monticello. He imparted comfort to all around him-treated 
his slaves in the kindest manner, reducing to practice the mode of 
treatment he always recommended to others. The education of his 
children-the cultivation and improvement of his land and the resump- 
tion of his scientific researches, gave to him an exhilarating conso- 
lation he had long desired and could never enjoy in the arena of 
public business and political turmoil. His manner of life at the time 
alluded to is happily described by the Duke de Liancourt who visited 
him during this brief time of repose. 

" His conversation is of the most agreeable kind. He possesses a stock 
of information not inferior to any other man. In Europe he would hold 
a distinguished rank among men of letters and as such he has already 
appeared there. At present he is employed with activity and perse- 
verance in the management of his farms and buildings and he orders, 
directs and pursues, in the miimtest detail, every branch of business 
relating to them. I found him in the midst of harvest from which the 
scorching heat of the sun does not prevent his attendance. His ne- 
groes are nourished, clothed and treated as well as white servants 
could be. Every article is made on his farm-his negroes being cabinet 
makers, carpenters and masons The children he employs in a nail 
manufactory and the young and old negresses spin for the clothing of 
the rest. He animates them all by rewards and distinctions. In line, 
his superior mind directs the management of his domestic concerns 
with the same ability, activity and regularity, which he evinced in the 
conduct of public affairs and which he is calculated to display in every 
situation of life." 

During his recess from the toils of public life Mr. Jefferson was 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 199 

unanimously elected President of the American Philosophical Society 
with which he was highly gratified. It afforded him much pleasure 
to occupy the chair which had been ably filled by his revered friends- 
the illustrious Franklin and philosophic Rittenhouse. 

After a repose of three years he was again called to the theatre of 
public action. President Washington had announced his determina- 
tion to retire to the peaceful shades of Mount Vernon. The people 
had become divided in two political parties, each determined to nomi- 
nate a candidate for the high and responsible office about to become 
vacant. The federalists nominated John Adams-the democrats Thomas 
Jefferson. The former was elected President-the latter Vice President 
of the United States. As the presiding officer of the Senate Mr. Jef- 
ferson discharged his duty with dignity and impartiality. Familiar 
with parliamentary rules, he was prepared to decide questions promptly 
and uniformly to the satisfaction of members. 

At the next Presidential Election he was again opposed to Mr. Adams. 
The mountain waves of party spirit rolled over the United States like a 
sweeping torrent. Each party presented a bold front regardless of 
danger pressed on by a rear rushing to conflict. The two candidates 
were bosom friends. Honest political differences did not interrupt their 
private good feelings. Not a word fell from the lips of either disparaging 
to his opponent. They regretted the fever heat of their partisans during 
the canvass but could not allay it. The Democrats carried tlie election 
and returned an equal number of votes for Mr. Jefferson as President 
and Col. Burr as Vice President. This singular circumstance imposed 
the election of the Chief Magistrate upon the House of Representatives. 
To defeat the election of the great leader of the popular party, several 
of his opponents voted for Col. Burr. A very spirited contest ensued. 
Thirty-five ineffectual ballotings were made. The ambition of Burr for 
promotion induced him to omit doing at once what propriety dictated 
and that which would have rendered him popular and perhaps saved him 
from the vortex of disgrace into which he subsequently plunged-ihe im- 
mediate withdrawal of his name. This he was finally compelled to do 
and on the thirty-sixth ballot Mr. Jefferson was duly elected President 
by a majority of eight votes and Col. Burr Vice President. 

I have long been convinced that the Federal Constitution should be 
amended with reference to the election of these two officers. The votes 
for each should be confined to each office independent of the other. 
The election should never go to the House of Representatives, especially 
as political honesty is constantly deteriorating. The history of all time 
shows clearly, that as a government grows older corruption increases 



200 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

uhtil it finally dissolves the state. Let the President be elected for four 
years and until another shall be elected in his place and let this be done 
directly by the people. Reckless party management would then be 
stripped of half its horrors. Better pay the expense of two elections than 
have one unworthy incumbent in the Presidential Chair. The following 
extract from the Inaugural Address of Mr. Jefferson should be committed 
by every man and boy in our country-the principles would then be better 
understood and perhaps more generally exemplified in practice. 

" Equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion- 
religious or political-peace, commerce and honest friendship with all 
nations-entangling alliances with none-the support of the state govern- 
ments in all their rights as the most competent administrations for our 
domestic concerns and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican ten- 
dencies-the preservation of the general government in its whole constitu- 
tional vigor as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad- 
a zealous care of the right of election by the people-a mild and safe cor- 
rective of abuses which are lopped by the sword of revolution when 
peaceable remedies are unprovided-absolute acquiescence in the decisions 
of the majority, the vital principle of Republics from which there is no 
appeal but to force-the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism- 
a well disciplined militia our best reliance in peace and for the first 
moments of war till regulars may relieve them-the supremacy of the 
civil over the military authority-economy in public expenses that labor 
may be lightly burthened-the honest payment of our debts and sacred 
preservation of the public faith-encouragement of agriculture and of com- 
merce as its handmaid-the diffusion of information and arraignment of 
all abuses at the bar of public reason-freedom of religion, freedom of the 
press and freedom of the person under the protection of the habeas corpus 
and trial by juries impartially selected. These principles form the bright 
constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an 
age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood 
of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be 
the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touch 
stone by which to try the service of those we trust and should we wander 
from them in moments of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps 
and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty and safety." 

Here is a statesman's chart drawn by one of the ablest navigators that 
ever stood at the helm of government. His soundings were frequent-his 
observations were made with mathematical precision-he combined 
science and experience and traced his lines with boldness and truth. To 
follow its directions is to ensure safety. Its delineations are not designed 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 201 

for partisan use but for our whole country and the freemen of the world 
through all time. 

Based upon these principles practically, the administration of Jefferson 
became popular, peaceful and prosperous. He understood the reasona- 
ble desires of the people and exerted his noblest powers to gratify them. 

He knew that the art of governing harmoniously consisted in honesty 
and governed himself accordingly. He anticipated the future wants of 
the rising and expanding Republic and proposed in his annual and special 
messages to Congress wise and politic measures to meet them. So 
fully was his course approved that he was re-elected by a majority of 
one hundred and forty-eight. His second inaugural address reiterated 
the same magnanimous principles of his first, manifesting a deep and 
growing interest in the prosperity and welfare of our common country. 

As he has been repeatedly charged with infidelity by those who de- 
scend so low as to desecrate the ashes of the illustrious dead and the 
charge repeated but a few days ago in a prominent print in the city 
of New York, I insert the following extract from his annual message, 
which sentiment is found in all his writings where the subject is alluded 
to. I have recently read two of his unpublished letters to a gentleman 
who is now a member of the New Jersey Senate, in which the same 
view is expressed. 

" I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, 
who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, frpm their native land and 
planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries of life-who 
has covered our infancy with his Providence and our riper years with 
his wisdom and power." Washington and Adams said no more. 

If all who piofess the religion of the Cross discarded sectarianism 
and honored unsophisticated ■practical religion as much as did Thomas 
Jefferson, the prospect of christianizing the world would burst upon us 
with refulgent brightness. The partition walls of various creeds, 
claimed to be drawn from the same pure fountain, would be dissolved 
by heaven-born Charity and the superstructure of the Redeemer's king- 
dom would rise in majesty sublime. 

Soon after Mr. Jefferson entered upon the duties of his second term, 
a portentous storm darkened the horizon of our country, charged with 
the lightning of discord. In consequence of being disappointed in riding 
into the presidency on the whirlwind of confusion he created at the 
lime he was made'Vice President and at the end of four years-dropped 
like a traitor as he was, Aaron Burr mounted upon the tornado of his 
wild ambition and attempted the formation of a new Republic in the 
Spanish Provinces on the Mississippi, aiming at an ultimate division, if 
26 



202 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

not dissolution of the Union. He was arrested and tried for high trea- 
son but being a man of great foresight, consummate genius and deep 
cunning-no overt act could be proved against him within the technical 
meaning of the law and he was acquitted-yet the dark stigma is marked 
upon the splendor of his brilliant talents in traces so deep, that time nor 
angels' tears can ever remove it. Like a comet propelled by its own 
centrifugal force from its constitutional orbit, he fell to rise no more- 
our country was saved from his Cataline grasp by the Cicero of our 
nation. 

About the same time France and Great Britain were at war-both 
of whom and more especially the latter-had repeatedly insulted the 
American flag under various but false pretences. Redress was promptly 
demanded and measures pursued to obtain it. Anxious to preser\e 
peace but determined to vindicate our rights and dignity-Mr. Jefferson 
simultaneously prosecuted a negotiation and prepared for war. He 
well understood the importance of the importing and exporting trade 
to England. Among the means used to bring her to honorable terms, 
lie recommended to Congress the embargo law which was passed on 
the 22d Dec. 1807. This measure was violently assailed by those op- 
posed to his administration. As he anticipated, it had a salutary effect 
upon the British government and caused propositions to be made by 
England for an honorable adjustment of all differences. 

Thus were the foreign relations of the United- States situated when 
the second term of Mr. Jefferson closed. He then bid a final farewell 
to public life and consigned the destinies of his beloved country into 
other hands. He had been an efficient and faithful laborer in the vine- 
yard of American Liberty nearly forty years. He left it richly covered 
with green foliage and fruit-in the full vigor of health-enclosed by the 
palisades of truth and honesty— adorned with the crowning glories of 
philanthropy and patriotism. 

From that time he declined all public honors and remained in peace- 
ful retirement to the day of his death-seldom leaving his sweet home- 
the beautiful Monticello. Unlike too many with ample means he did 
not lead a life of inglorious ease. The same innate activity that had 
marked his brii^ht career from youth-the same nobleness of mind and 
energy of character that raised him to the loftiest pinnacle fame could 
rear, still prompted him to action. He reduced his time to a harmo- 
nious arrangement-his business to perfect system. He uniformly rose 
before the sun and held a supervision over all the concerns of his plan- 
tation. The various productions of his pen during the period of his 
retirement, show that he labored arduously in the fields of science and 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 203 

philosophy. For the promotion of literature and general intelligence, 
he opened an extensive correspondence with men of letters in this 
country and Europe. He considered the diffusion of knowledge among 
the great mass of the human family the greatest safeguard against 
tyranny and oppression-the purest source of earthly bliss-the surest 
passport to freedom and happiness. 

Acting from this impulse, he submitted the plan of a University to 
the legislature of Virginia to be erected at Charlottesville, situated at 
the foot of- the romantic mountain in front of his mansion. It was to 
be built with funds raised by donations from individuals in the state, 
himself to be a liberal contributor. The plan of the buildings and 
course of instruction were drawn by him and so much admired and 
approved by the members of the legislative body that an act was 
passed to carry into effect the design and Mr. Jefferson was appointed 
Rector. For the completion of this object he spent all necessary time 
and more money than strict justice called for. It became the doating 
object of his old age. His best efforts were exerted in its accomplish- 
ment, which were crowned with success and the University filled with 
students to whom he paid great attention. The course of instruction 
was designed to prepare youth for the general routine of business, 
public and private and was not strictly classical. The library w^as 
selected by him with great care, being composed entirely of solid use- 
ful books, treating on subjects important to every citizen in preparing 
him to discharge properly the duties he owes to his God, his family, his 
country and himself. A catalogue, written by Jefferson, is still there 
in a good state of preservation. He exercised a parental care over 
this institution until his physical powers failed. 

Much of his time was devoted to visitors to whom he was hospita- 
ble and kind. Thousands of his own countrymen paid their grateful 
respects to him-Europeans of distinction thought their tour in this 
country incomplete until they took by the hand the patriot, sage, phi- 
losopher and philanthropist of Monticello. He was ever anxious to 
please, delight and instruct. He was familiar with every subject. His 
mind united the vigor of youth with the experience of age. The broad 
expanse of the universe-the stupendous works of nature-the Pierian 
fields of science-the deep recesses of philosophy and labyrinthian ave- 
nues of the intellect of man-seemed spread before him Hke the map of 
the world. He was an encyclopsedia of the age he adorned-a lexicon 
of the times he enlightened-one of the brightest diadems in the crown 
of his country's glory. 

With a calm and peaceful quietude Mr. Jefferson glided down the 



204 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Stream of time toward the ocean of eternity until he reached tne 
eighty-fourth year of his age. Forty-four years had passed away 
since his amiable companion had been laid in the tomb. She was the 
daughter of Mr. Wayles, an eminent lawyer of Virginia. One of two 
interesting daughters was also resting in the grave. The charms of 
earth were receding from him-he felt sensibly that he stood on the 
confines of another and a better world. The physical powers and me- 
chanical structure of his frame were fast decaying-the canker worm 
of disease was doing its final work-the angel of death hovered over 
him with a keen blade awaiting Jehovah's signal to cut the silver cord 
of life and set the prisoner free. 

Early in the spring of 1826 his bodily infirmities increased. From 
the 26th of June to the time of his death he was confined to his bed. 
He then remarked to his attending physician-" My machine is worn 
out and can go no longer." His friends who attended him thought he 
would again recover but he was convinced that his voyage of life was 
about to close and that he would soon cast his anchor in the haven of 
rest. To those around him he said-" Do not imagine that I feel the 
smallest solicitude as to the result. I do not indeed wish to die but I 
do not /ear to die." Do infidels die thus calm and resigned? Echo 
answers-Do infidels die thus? 

On the second day of July his body became extremely weak but his 
mental powers remained as clear as a crystal fountain. He called 
his family and friends around him and with a cheerful countenance 
and calm dignity gave direction for his funeral obsequies. He re- 
quested that he might be interred at Monticello without pomp or show 
and that the inscription on his tomb should only refer to him as " The 
author of the Declaration of Independence-of the Statutes of Virginia 
securing religious Freedom and the Father of the University." He 
then conversed separately with each of his family. To his surviving 
daughter, Mrs. Randolph, he presented a small morocco case which 
he requested her not to open until after his death. It was found to 
contain a beautiful and afl^ectionate poetic tribute to her virtues. 

The next day, being told it was the 3d of July, he expressed a desire 
that he might be permitted to inhale the atmosphere of the fiftieth anni- 
versary of our national freedom. His prayer was granted-the glorious 
4th of July 1826 dawned upon him-he took an afl^ectionate leave of 
those around him and then raising his eyes upward articulated dis- 
tinctly, "/ resign myself to God and my child to my couvt7'y"-and ex- 
pired as calmly as an infant sleeps in its mother's arms. Thus lived 
and thus died Thomas Jefferson, universally esteemed in lif'e-deci iy 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 205 

mourned in death by a nation of freemen-sincerely lamented by every 
patriot in the civilized world. 

In person he was slender and erect-six feet two inches in height- 
light and intelligent eyes-noble and open countenance-fair complexion- 
yellowish red hair and commanding in his whole appearance. In all 
the relations of public and private life he was the model of a great and 
good man. His whole career was calm and dignified. Under all cir- 
cumstances his coolness, strong moral courage-deliberation and equa- 
nimity of mind, placed him on a lofty eminence and enabled him to 
preserve a perfect equilibrium amidst all the changing vicissitudes and 
multiform ills flesh is heir to. He kept his passions under complete 
control and cultivated richly the finer qualities of his nature. His 
charity, the brightest star in the Christian diadem, was as broad as the 
human family-his sympathies co-extensive with the afflictions of Adam's 
race. He was created for usefulness-nobly did he fulfil the design of 
his creation. * If his were not the fruits of practical Christianity, the 
immaculate Redeemer and the Apostles did not truly describe them. 
You who basely charge Thomas .Jefferson with infidelity, remember- 
O ! remember, that his last words were those uttered by many of the 
martyrs-" I resign myself to God and my child to my country." 



BARON DE KALB. 

A LOVE for the land of our birth is natural-commendable. A con- 
tinued oppression from those in power may drive us from that land- 
compel us to seek an asylum under a more congenial government-still 
the associations of our native spot are a source of frequent and pleas- 
ing thought never to be entirely eradicated from our minds. 

No man should ever adopt a new country and government without a 
full determination to become a good and useful citizen and submit im- 
plicitly to the laws as they are until he shall find himself in a majority 
of the virtuous who rise in their majesty to change for the better. 
With this principle for a polar star-foreigners who seek a peaceful 
asylum in our country may become as staunch supporters of our na- 
tional Constitution and Union as native born patriots. If they cannot- 
they should retrace their steps quickly and return to the iron blessings 
of monarchy. We want none among us who do not love our country 
and her noble institutions. An open door-a hearty welcome awaits 
every foreign patriot that comes to this land of the brave and home of 



206 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the free. We have an overplus of native demagogues, fanatics, ultra- 
isls, disunionists and bigots-without importing any from Europe. 

During the American Revolution a number of illustrious and nobl^ 
patriots of high standing came from the old world to aid in planting 
the tree of Liberty in the new. Among them was the brave Baron de 
Kalb, a native of Germany. Of his early history we have no record. 
He was a brigadier-general in the French army and had earned a high 
military reputation. He was a knight of the order of Military Merit 
and highly esteemed by his fellow officers. A philanthropist of high 
order-imbued with liberal principles-in favor of a Republican form of 
government-familiar with the oppressions of England in America— ac- 
quainted with the noble efforts of the oppressed to free themselves from 
tyranny— Baron de Kalb at once resolved to be the companion of the 
patriotic La Fayette. On his arrival he was commissioned a major- 
general in the Continental army and placed in command of the Mary- 
land division. He readily gained the esteem and confidence of all who 
made his acquaintance. He was a man of strong common sense-great 
experience-a close observer of men and things— an admirable discipli- 
narian-a brave and prudent officer. With a robust frame and iron 
cphstitution-he was able to endure the proverbial fatigues and priva- 
tions of the American army. He was remarkably abstemious-living 
mostly on bread and water. His industry and zeal in the glorious 
cause he had espoused were worthy of 'all praise. He was up early and 
late and spent all his leisure from official duty in writing in some re- 
tired place. Unfortunately his writings were lost and the subject 
matter was known to no one but himself. 

The brilliant career of this noble patriot soldier was closed at the 
battle of Camden, S. C. He there commanded the right wing of the 
American army composed of regulars. The left wing was composed 
of militia who fled at the sight of the red coats advancing with fixed 
bayonets-as terrified as young horses at a locomotive. Not so with 
the right wing. Although contending against overwhelming numbers 
they stood their ground and fought like tigers. In his last desperate 
attempt to seize the laurels of victory-the Baron fell helpless with ele- 
ven wounds. In this prostrate condition a base attempt was made to 
pierce him with several bayonets which wafe prevented by one of his 
aids-Chevalier de Buysson-who threw himself over the fallen hero and 
received the bayonets in his own body-exclaiming " Save the Baron de 
Kalb!" The British officers interfered-saved him from instant death 
and made him their prisoner. He was kindly treated by his captors 
and survived but a short time. To an officer who expressed his sor- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 207 

row for his sufferings he replied-" 1 thank you for your sympathy-1 
die the death I always prayed for-the death of a soldier fighting for the 
rights of naan." 

In his last monnents he dictated a letter to Gen. Smallwood who suc- 
ceeded him in comnaand of his division. He expressed his ardent affec- 
tion for his officers and men-lauded their bravery which had forced 
fidmiration from their enemies-urged them to persevere in the glorious 
cause of freedom until triumphant victory should perch upon their 
manly brows. He then invoked a benediction on his beloved division- 
reached out his trembling hand to Col. de Buysson-resigned his soul 
to God and closed his eyes in death. 

In that battle both armies suffered severely. Several others of the 
American officers were killed-among them Col. Potterfield who was a 
favorite of the whole army. 

Baron de Kalb was a man of amiable disposition-modest and unas- 
suming in his manners-frank and generous in his intercourse-strictly 
moral and temperate in his habits-was highly esteemed by all who 
knew him and died deeply lamented. He was buried at Camden. His 
memory is cherished by every friend of liberty. 

Some years after he had slumbered under the clods of the valley, 
Gen. Washington visited his grave. He contemplated it thoughtfully 
for a few moments and remarked-" So there lies the brave De Kalb- 
the generous stranger who came from a distant land to fight our battles 
and to water the tree of our liberty with his blood. Would to God he 
had lived to share its fruits." 

In 1780 Congress caused a monument to be erected to his memory 
in Annapolis, Maryland, with the following inscription, ' 

Sacred to the memory of the 

BARON DE KALB, 

Knight of the royal order of Military Merit, 

Brigadier of the armies of France, 

and 

Major General 

In the service of the United States of America. 

Having served with honor and reputation 

For three years, 
He gave a last and glorious proof of his at- 
tachment to the liberties of mankind 
And the cause of America, 
In the action near Camden in the State of South Carolina 



208 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

On the 16th of August 1780, 

Where, leading on the troops of ihe 

Maryland and Delaware lines 

Against superior numbers 

And animating them by his examples 

To deeds of valor. 

He was pierced with many wounds 

And on the nineteenth following expired 

In the 48th year of his age. 

The Congress 

Of the United States of America, 

In gratitude to his zeal, services and merit, 

Have erected this monument. 



GILBERT MOTTIER DE LA FAYETTE. 

Patriotism is one of the noblest attributes of man. It is the soul 
of freedom-the fulcrum of liberty-the lever of independence. It soars 
sublimely above self-is prompted by honest motives-aims at glorious 
ends. It is the motive power of philanthropy and would gladly con- 
solidate the human family in one harmonious universal brotherhood 
by the heavenly law of love which can fraternize the world. It is 
opposed to all oppression-abhors all tyrants-rejoices in the promulga- 
tion of liberal principles. Its desires to do good are diffusive as the 
sun light-it is not confined to country-nation or caste. No secta- 
rianism can swerve it-no monarch suppress it-no obstacle paralyze it. 
The patriot may be crushed in person by illegitimate power-the prin- 
ciple-neuer. Chains and dungeons will kindle it to a brighter flame- 
persecution will increase its volume. The history of all time proves 
the truth of these assertions-they form a corollary firm as the per- 
petual hills-incontrovertible as the problems of Euclid. The man who 
is destitute of this noble attribute is a mere automaton. There is a 
vacuum in his soul which nature abhors and all despise-except kings, 
aristocrats and demagogues. Patriotism is the dread incubus that 
hangs over thrones. The true patriot delights to see all basking in the 
refulgent rays of rational liberty and is ever ready to peril life and 
fortune in the cause of equal rights whenever the people of any nation 
rise in their native dignity to reclaim them from oppressors. 

Thus it was with Gilbert Mottier de La Fayette, born on the 6th 
of September 1757 at the castle Chavaniac in Auvergne. Soon after 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 209 

the birth of this son, his father fell at the battle of Minden. As 
childhood dawned upon young La Fayette he exhibited talents of 
unusual strength and vigor. Under the genial rays of science they 
rapidly burst from embryo-budded, blossomed and ripened into fruit 
of the most perfect kind. At the age of seven years he was piaced 
in the college of Louis le Grand at Paris. His rapid progress in the 
elements of his education exceeded the fondest anticipations of his 
numerous friends. By his modesty, urbanity and innate goodness 
of heart he gained the esteem of all who knew him. He graduated 
at an early age and was made a page to the queen and soon rose to 
the rank of a commissioned officer-an honor then conferred upon none 
but those presumed to possess superior merit and talent. At the age of 
seventeen he married the Countess Anastatic de Noailles-one of the 
most beautiful and amiable ladies of France. With kindred spirits they 
united splendid fortunes sufficient to support them in princely style 
through a long life. They were in the enjoyment of all the pleasures 
earth could give-favorites at the gayest court in Europe-caressed and 
beloved by those they held most dear-an ornament to every circle in 
which they moved. Mutual esteem gave a rich zest to every enjoy- 
ment-their social felicity was complete. All things combined to rivet 
La Fayette to his happy-his enchanting home. Nothing but the 
loftiest patriotism-the purest philauthrophy could have induced him to 
burst these infatuating bands and peril his life, fortune and sacred 
honor in the cause of human rights in a foreign country. 

Amidst the fascinating allurements that surrounded him, this noble 
youth paused, reflected and reasoned. Through the bright vista of 
the future Columbus saw the cheering vision of a new world. 
Through the same clear mirror La Fayette saw the sun of freedom 
reflecting its refulgent rays over Columbia's prolific land. A band of 
patriots had sounded the clarion of liberty. Echo had wafted it from 
Bunker's bloody mount to the ears of this young hero. The thought 
that there was a remnant left in the world who dared to assume their 
native dignity and strike for their just rights enraptured his soul. 
Contrary to the wishes of his friends and the King of the French, he 
resolved to fly to the aid of the oppressed Americans and participate 
m the unfading glory of planting the standard of freedom in the 
western hemisphere. Nor did he split on the rock of resolves and re- 
resolves where many waste away their lives. He at once proposed 
to the American Commissioners, then in Paris, to enter the army of 
Washington. They informed him of the recent adverses of those who 
were struggling for Liberty. They could present no bright picture tu 
27 



210 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

induce him to hope for laurels or emolument. It was not necessary. 
Nobler motives incited him to action. He still resolved to go. Anxious 
as were Messrs. Franklin, Dean and Lee to secure his services, they 
had not the means to convey him to the scene of action. Obstacles 
of various kinds were vainly thrown across his path. Impelled to an 
onward course by the noble impulses of patriotism-no difficulties were 
too great for him to surmount-no hardships too severe for him to en- 
dure, no sacrifice of wealth too large for him to make. Embarrass- 
ments strengthened the resolution he had formed to enroll his name with 
the brave and the free, even should he perish in the attempt. 

He immediately fitted out a vessel at his own expense-freighted it 
with munitions of war and clothing-received letters of high commen- 
dation from the American commissioners to the Congress of their 
bleeding country and embarked secretly for the land of the pilgrim 
fathers in the winter of 1777. He then looked forward with anxious 
solicitude to that happy day when he should aid in unfurling the 
banner of freedom-in planting deep the tree of liberty in a soil con- 
genial to its growth and take by the hand those bold and daring sages 
and heroes who had thrown the stars and stripes to the breeze in de- 
fiance of despotism-resolved on freedom or death. Nothing short of 
a deep, strong, inherent devotion to liberal principles could have in- 
duced La Fayette to leave his native country under the existing cir- 
cumstances and peril everything in behalf of strangers- In vain we 
search history for a benevolence so broad and disinterested. Call it 
ambition if you please. Would to God the same laudable ambition 
reigned triumphant in the breast of every human being. We should 
then see tyrants trembling-thrones crumbling-crowns falling-fetters 
bursting and the grand jubilee of freedom celebrated amidst the ex- 
piring groans of monarchy-the chaotic ruins of tyranny. Call it a 
thirst for glory. Would to God that all who have figured largely on 
the grand theatre of public action could have the same glory embla- 
zoned on the escutcheon of their names. A purer, fairer sheet of 
biography would then meet the eyes of the present and generations to 
come. 

On the 25th of April 1777 Lafayette and his companions landed in 
South Carolina near Charleston and were warmly welcomed by Gen. 
Moultrie, Major Huger and the little band of veterans around them. 
The destitute condition of the American soldiers excited the sympathy of 
the Marquis. He distributed clothing to those under Gen. Moultrie and 
a sword to each of his officers. From Charleston he hastened to Phila- 
delphia and delivered his letters and despatches from the American Com- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 211 

missioners to Congress. He offered himself as a volunteer-desiring to 
enter the army with no remuneration except the proud satisfaction of 
enrolling his name with the brave heroes whose motto was-LiBERXY or 
Death. His unassuming manners, patriotic sentiments, stern resolution, 
devotedness to the cause and dignified bearing-combined to inspire con- 
fidence in all who made his acquaintance. In July Congress passed a 
resolution accepting his services and commissioned him a Major-General 
in the Continental army. He immediately placed himself under the 
supervision of Washington and commenced a brilliant career that gained 
increased lustre during a long life of usefulness. Shortly after he entered 
the service he acted a conspicuous part in the battle of Brandywine 
where he was wounded and disabled for six weeks. In the battle of 
Germantown he proved himself a cool, brave and skilful officer. He 
soon gained the full confidence of Washington and was put in command 
of a choice corps of daring young men selected by himself and was 
entrusted with several expeditions which he conducted with great pru- 
dence and success and to the entire satisfaction of Washington and Con- 
gress. On all occasions he exhibited talents of the highest order. 
Discretion-the strong helm of human action, guided him in all his 
actions. 

At that period the question of maintaining American Independence 
w-as truly problematical. Prospects darkened as time rolled on. The 
general gloom was an impetus to this young patriot that impelled him to 
more vigorous exertion. In the autumn of 1778 he returned to France 
and exerted his influence in favor of a treaty of alliance and greatly 
aided in consumating that desideratum. This imparted fresh courage to 
the American army-then writhing under privations and distress that 
truly tried the souls and bodies of men. Nothing short of an Almighty 
hand could have sustained the Sages and Heroes of the Revolution and 
nerved them to persevere in their noble undertaking until crowned with 
triumphant victory. La Fayette returned in the spring of 1780 and was 
followed by a French naval force in July which came to the rescue. A 
new impetus was thus given to the cause of human rights in America. 
La Fayette was put in command of the expedition against Lord Corn- 
wallis in Virginia. He found his troops in a naked, forlorn condition 
and Congress without means to furnish them with the common comforts 
of an army. Upon his own credit he borrowed money from merchants 
in Baltimore-purchased a portion of the necessary supplies-appealed to 
the fair daughters of the monumental city who responded nobly to the 
call. Their eyes and needles brightened as they made up garments for 
the brave soldier boys-soon the Marquis saw his men comfortably clad, 



212 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

fully equlpped-eager to drive the minions of tyranny from their blooQ 
stained soil. 

La Fayette took the field with a force far inferior to that of Cornwallis 
who was the pride of his king and acknowledged no superior in the 
science of military tactics. In the wary and sagacious " boy" as La 
Fayette was termed by the veteran British General, Cornwallis found a 
leader too formidable to be treated with contempt-too cautious to be 
easily ensnared. He was constantly annoyed without being able to 
bring his antagonist to a general action. Chagrined and disgusted he 
retired to Yorktown and commenced formidable fortifications. As his 
army was now the bulwark of England in America, the combined forces 
of the United Colonies and France lost no time in concentrating in front 
of his entrenchments. A vigorous siege was commenced on the 29th of 
September 178L The British General felt that an awful crisis had 
arrived. By a surrender-the Colonies were lost. A tremendous responsi- 
bility rested upon him. His resistance corresponded with these high 
considerations. His spirited defence was worthy of a better cause. 

On the 14th of October it was found necessary to silence two redoubts 
that were pouring a destructive fire into the works of the besiegers. This 
was to be done with the bayonet. The young Marquis was selected to 
lead the assault. The order was no sooner received than obeyed. He 
led his men to the charge with the impetuosity of a tornado. Like a 
mighty avalanche, rushing from the mountain top with the fury of Mars 
-they bore down all opposition. Although the enemy were double in 
number-so sudden and irresistible was the onset that they were all killed 
or taken prisoners but six. Against such troops fighting for Liberty, 
Cornwallis found it useless to contend. The injured Colonists had risen 
in their might-a fearful retribution awaited him. The last ray of success 
was expiring in the socket of hope-his cruel military career was about to 
close in the new world. Keen and blighting anguish seized his tortured 
soul in view of outrages committed upon an oppressed people. The cries 
of murdered innocents rang through his ears-his courage lost its equili- 
brium and was supplanted by despair. On the 18th of October the proud 
hero of Britain surrendered his whole army to the illustrious Washington 
and the brave La FAVEXTE-the champions of liberal principles and human 
rights. 

That signal victory closed the long, bloody, doubtful struggle. Se- 
veral nations promptly acknowledged the Independence of the United 
States. The ensigns of royalty were banished from our shores-the 
star spangled banner waved triumphantly over the land of the brave 
and free. Washington and La Fayette mingled tears of gratitude and 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 213 

thankfulness for their preservation, success and final deliverance. 
They richly merited and freely received the plaudits of the American 
people and of admiring nations. A gazing w^orld looked upon them 
with extatic delight as they stood on the loftiest pinnacle of fame in all 
the sublime majesty of republican simplicity. They were among the 
brightest of the dazzling luminaries of emancipation-the terror of ty- 
rants-the hope of freemen. The consummation of Liberty was then 
and there proclaimed to grateful and happy millions. Seraphs listened 
to the cheering news with thrilling joy-carried the glad tidings to the 
unerring chancery of the great Eternal where they received the sanc- 
tion of Jehovah's high authority and were recorded on the unfading 
pages of the book of lasting renown in letters of gold by the Grand 
Scribe of Heaven. Echo caught the talismanic sound and wafted it to 
the remotest bounds of every nation on wings of mighty wind. 

Having accomplished all in his power to establish the Independence 
of our country La Fayette prepared to return to the bosom of his 
anxious family in France. He had served more than six years and 
expended one hundred and forty-seven thousand dollars in the glorious 
cause he had nobly, ardently, successfully espoused. He asked no pe- 
cuniary emolument at the commencement of his services-he demanded 
no pay-presented no account at their termination. He had a richer 
reward, more precious than gold-more valuable than rubies-//?e grati- 
tude of the American nation deeply felt and strongly expressed. He had 
the invaluable satisfaction of having contributed largely towards pre- 
paring a nursery for freemen-an asylum for the oppressed. His con- 
duct stood approved at the dread tribunal of conscience. 

" The man wtio stands acquitted at that fearful bar 
Holds the first round prize the world has to give. 
'Tis like Heaven's sunshine — priceless." 

At his departure he received the highest tokens of respect from Con- 
gress, the officers of the army and our nation at large. The richest 
blessings of a kind Providence were invoked for him. He w^as received 
with great enthusiasm on his arrival at home. He was hailed as u 
prominent hero of the new world-the tried friend of Liberty-the un- 
yielding advocate of universal Freedom-the spotless patriot-the brave 
and skilful officer-the hope of the down-trodden and oppressed in the 
old world. 

The success of the United States in shaking off the yoke of bondage 
had its influence on the nations of Europe as a natural consequence. 
That the people of France felt it most is not surprising. The French 



214 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

army had drank freely at the fountain of Liberty that had gushed out 
in the United States. The holy flame of freedom was burning in their 
bosoms and was soon communicated to their brethren at home. The 
insulating fire of patriotism ran through the mass and they too resolved 
to be free. Unfortunately for the cause of human rights they seized 
upon the abstract principles of Liberty without learning the art of self- 
government. They plucked the fruit before it was ripe-it disorganized 
their system producing a raging fever and wild delirium. So rapidly 
did the excitement rise that it was found necessary to convene the 
States General-an assembly that had slumbered 172 years-the dernier 
resort of that nation to suppress internal commotion. It consisted of 
deputies chosen by the nobility, clergy and common people. So ter- 
rific was the storm of passion that this august body trembled like a reed 
shaken by the wind. Anarchy mounted its desolating car-mad ambi- 
tion rolled its mountain waves over reason and justice-malicious jeal- 
ousy sought its victims in every avenue-Jacobinism reared its hydra 
head-the fountain of mercy was dried up-the bloody guillotine did its 
fearful work. Civil war raged in all the plenipotence of exterminating 
revenge-cruelty ceased only for the want of victims-the streets were 
deluged with the purple current. Such are the outlines of the first 
French Revolution. The picture is filled with darker shades. 

Amidst this scene of dreadful cai'nage-this tornado of angry pas- 
sions-La Fayette stood calm and undismayed. He commanded the 
military and had their confidence. At one bold stroke he might have 
cut off" the cold hearted Robespierre-the cruel Mirabeau-the treacher- 
ous Duke of Orleans-the ambitious Paine-the bloody Nex'o-Murat. 
Under Washington and from his own innate goodness he had learned 
to soar above revenge and practice humanity. For some time he para- 
lyzed the efforts of the various factions and succeeded in giving France 
a constitution approximating towards republicanism. But the typhoid 
of faction had become too firmly fixed on the body politic to be arrested 
in its sanguinary career by this panacea. It gathered new strength as 
it advanced. The awful whirlpool of boiling passion was fast drawing 
La Fayette to its vortex of destruction. The National Assembly 
yielded and became subservient to the Jacobins. Plans were suggested 
by which to rid themselves of the man they most dreaded. At this 
alarming crisis he exhibited moral and physical courage without a 
parallel. He repaired to the National Assembly and in language bold 
and strong portrayed the conduct of those whose wild ambition had 
brought upon France threatened ruin and impending destruction. His 
dignified manner, unanswerable logic, powerful eloquence, stern inte- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 215 

grity, open frankness, anxious solicitude and noble boldness Slled the 
delegates and leading Jacobins with awe and astonishment. They be- 
lieved he had an armed force within call to protect him. When he had 
finished his address he immediately withdrew and resumed the com- 
mand of the army then marching against the Austrian Netherlands. 
Learning that he had gone, the National Assembly became so courageous 
that they proscribed him and set a price upon his head. Finding the 
wild disorder of his country beyond his control and his life in jeopardy, 
he resolved to fly to the United States. With an aching heart he left, 
with seven companions. In their flight they fell into the hands of the 
Prussians and were delivered over to the Austrians. After enduring 
every indignity and insult La Fayette was thrown into a loathsome 
dungeon at Olmutz where a bed of rotten straw, a broken chair and an 
old table constituted all the furniture of his wretched apartment. 
There he suffered by privations and disease-neglected and alone until 
he was so reduced that the hair fell from his head and death seemed 
sure of an early victim. At the same time his estate was confiscated 
by the Jacobins and his amiable wife thrown into prison. To advocate 
him in France was a sure passport to the bloody guillotine. 

England, the United States and several other governments looked 
upon the incarceration of La Fayette as a violation of the laws of 
nations, of common justice and humanity. Washington and many 
others made great exertions to obtain his release. The Emperor of 
Austria was inexorable. The staple of his mind was adamant-he de- 
lighted in human misery. He had caged the European Eagle of Li- 
berty determined to immolate him slowly but surely on the altar of 
revenge and crush the embryo' buds of liberal principles in the old 
world. A bold but unsuccessful attempt to rescue the prisoner was 
made by Col. Huger and Dr. Bollman of South Carolina. Its history 
is full of thrilling interest and does great credit to the heads and hearts 
of its persevering and ingenious authors. 

The amiableness and dignity of Madame La Fayette forced respect 
from the bloodthirsty Jacobins who ultimately released her. Learning 
the forlorn condition of her husband her native tenderness rushed upon 
her noble soul like a mighty flood. She at once resolved to fly to him 
and share in all the vicissitudes that awaited him. With her two 
daughters she left France in disguise and arrived safe at Olmutz. Ilei 
application to see her husband could not be granted unless she con- 
sented never to leave the prison after entering it. With this inhuman 
decree she cheerfully complied. The most brilliant imagination can 
but faintly conceive-the strongest language can never portray to the 



216 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

life the thrilling-the melting scene that followed. The sunburnt cheeks 
of the soldiers who guarded the prison were flooded with the tears of 
sympathy and compassion. With the two pledges of their love Madame 
La Fayette passed the grating iron doors. The next moment she was 
clasped in the arms of the companion of her youth. My hved hushand- 
was all she could utter. My dear father-hursi from his angelic daugh- 
ters as they clung around his emaciated form. My dear wife-my lovely 
daughters-TpsiSsed his trembling lips in broken accents-a flood of tears 
from each told a tale of mingling woes and joys in the language of that 
mute eloquence which casts words into the shade. That scene can 
never be presented in full original force by the finest touches of the 
painter's pencil-lhe boldest stroke of the poet's pen-the loftiest flights 
of historic eloquence. At that meeting with his family the situation of 
La Fayette in prison was more enviable than that of a king of nations 
or a conqueror of worlds. The ministering angel-woMAN-can convert 
a dungeon into a paradise and light up a smile in the deepest aspect of 
woe. Without her earth would be desolate-man miserable-a savage. 

With Christian fortitude and heroic patience this affectionate family 
bore their privations and sufferings. Madame de Stael has well ob- 
served-" Antiquity offers nothing more admirable than the conduct of 
Gen. La Fayette, his wife and daughters in the prison of Olmutz." 

Fresh exertions were made to obtain the release of these innocent 
sufl'erers. The question was agitated in the United States Congress 
and in the House of Commons in England. Nothing could move the 
obdurate heart of the tyrant who held them. They seemed doomed to 
waste away their lives in that loathsome dungeon. God had otherwise 
determined. The time was rolling on rapidly when they should be re- 
stored to liberty, their friends and their home. The conquering Bona- 
parte humbled the proud and cruel Emperor and compelled him to re- 
lease these illustrious prisoners. In the treaty of Campo Formio in 
1797 it was expressly stipulated that all the French prisoners at Ol- 
mutz should be immediately liberated. The Emperor of Austria at- 
tempted to impose restrictions on the future conduct of the Marquis. 
Amidst all his sufferings his dignity and liberal principles remained un- 
impaired. He spurned all conditions of a restrictive nature. His 
unconditional release occurred on the 25th of August 1797 when he 
and his family again inhaled the exhilarating atmosphere of Freedom. 
He had been in prison five years. His noble wife and afllectionate 
daughters had shared with him the miseries of a damp dungeon twenty- 
two months. The release of these prisoners is one of the brightest stars 
in the diadem of Bonaparte. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 217 

When the French nation became more tranquil La Fayette and his 
family returned to the land of their birth. He located at La Grange 
and soon gained a salutary influence over those around him. He did 
all in his power to promote the interests of his country and the cause 
of human rights. Although he was truly grateful to Bonaparte for his 
release from a gloomy dungeon he believed he owed a duty to his 
nation paramount to all private considerations. He opposed all his 
measures that he considered dangerous to the prosperity and happiness 
of France. From the time of his return to that of his last illness, La 
Fayette took a conspicuous part in the civil and miHtary departments 
of his country. With an Argus eye he watched her destinies through 
all her convulsing changes. The smiles of princes and the huzzas of 
the muhitude could not flatter him-the miseries of a dungeon and 
frowns of tyrants could not depress him. Without those brilliant 
talents that dazzle and captivate every beholder, like his revered 
Washington he possessed an uncommon share of sound common sense, 
a clear head, a good heart, a discriminating judgment that gave him a 
more universal influence than any man then in Europe. His magic 
power over the enraged populace of Paris during the Three Days' Re- 
volution of 1830 has no parallel when we consider the effervescent 
nature of the French people. In the short period of seventy-two hours 
he restored tranquillity-formed a new government and commenced a 
new era in the history of that impulsive nation. He could then have 
been crowned King of France. To him crowns were empty bubbles, 
expanding only to burst-airy phantoms, formed to allure for a time- 
then vanish in abdication, chaos or blood. 

When he visited our country in 1824 his reception at every point was 
an earnest of the deep feeling of gratitude that pervaded the bosoms of 
our people. The presence of no man ever elicited more enthusiastic joy 
'n any country. During his stay party spirit retired to its lair-all united 
in paying the profoundest respect to the benefactor of our nation-the 
companion of Washington-the noble philanthropist. In every crowd 
La Fayette sought his surviving companions in arms who had fought 
and bled by his side in the glorious cause of American Independence. 
When he met them the scene was always interesting-sometimes affecting. 
In some instances a simultaneous rush to each other at the moment of 
recognition and the eloquent tears that rolled down their veteran cheeks 
told what was passing in their kindred hearts more strongly than words 
can express. It affords me great pleasure to state-that the finances of 
our government were such at that time and the liberality of Congress in 
such a state of expansion that La Fayette was remunerated for his 
28 



218 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

services and the large amount of money expended in obtaining our Inde- 
pendence-reversing the adage—Republics are always ungrateful. Wher. 
he departed from our shores-bid a last farewell to his American friends 
and our country—he left a painful vacuum in the hearts of millions that 
was not speedily supplied. He was emphatically a man whom the people 
admired, loved, and delighted to honor. He arrived safely in France 
and continued to watch over her interests until the 18th of May 1834 
when he took a violent cold in following on foot the remains of the 
patriot Dulong, to Pere le Chaise, or Garden of the Tombs. So violent 
was his illness that it baffled all medical skill and ended his eventful and 
useful life on the 21st of May 1834. He died in full faith of a blissful 
immortality in a better and brighter world He expired at his hotel in 
Paris. 

The pageant of his funeral was of the most imposing character. He 
was a member of the Chamber of Deputies at the time of his decease. 
The marked attention and mingling tears of the members of that body— 
the deep lamentations of the French and American people—the demon- 
strations of grief by every civilized nation on receiving intelligence of his 
death-combined to show the high estimation in which he was held by 
the old and new world. 

The grateful memory of La Fayette is held sacred by every friend of 
Liberty. His history has no parallel on the Eastern continent. His 
career was not tarnished with bold strides of misguided ambition or 
base attempts at self-aggrandizement. He was consistent to the last- 
Compared with his-all borrowed greatness is an empty show. Unblem- 
ished virtue marked his bright career-philanthropy his whole course- 
integrity his entire conduct-justice his every action. A calm resignation 
to the will of God under all circumstances and a confiding trust in His 
wisdom added a more brilliant lustre to all his noble and amiable qualities. 
Unborn millions will read his biography and sing the praises of this great 
and good man. He has left examples of human conduct worthy the 
contemplation and imitation of all who move in the private or public 
walks of life His influence did not terminate with his existence. Ages 
to come will be benefited by the rich fruits of his useful and monitory 
life. The sweet incense of freedom will continue to ascend from his 
hallowed grave in cerulean perfumes with increasing fragrance until the 
old world shall be revolutionized, regenerated and free. Coming genera- 
tions will gaze upon the bright picture of his history with enrapturing 
delight-the holy flame of patriotism and the pale torch of Liberty now 
glimmering in the old world will be replenished at the sacred tomb of 
La Favette. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTU^. 219 



FUANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE. 

The actions of men cannot be well understood without a thorough 
knowledge of human nature. We must trace the map of the immortal 
mind, learn the avenues of its circuit, follow it through the regions of 
revolving thought, become familiar wiih the passions that influence and 
control it-learn its natural desires, innate qualities, springs of action-its 
multifarious combinations. We must understand its native divinity, 
earthly frailty, malleability, expansions, contractions and its o^'iginal pro- 
pensities. In addition to all this knowledge, to judge correctly of the 
actions of an individual we must know the predominants and exponents 
of his mind-the impress it has received from education, the motives that 
impelled him to action, his propulsive and repulsive powers, the ultimatum 
of his designs and his ulterior objects. With all these guides we m&y 
still become involved in error unless we move within the orbit of impar- 
tiality, divest ourselves of all prejudice and have our judgments warmed 
by the genial influence of heaven-born charity. With all these lights 
we should never pass judgment of censure upon any person unless the 
good of community requires it or a court of justice demands it. Could 
this rule be strictly adhered to by individuals and the press-rays of mil- 
lenial glory would burst upon the wilderness of mind and cause it to bud 
and blossom as the rose. A peaceful and quiescent rest would calm the 
angry feelings and boiling passions of men, daily lashed to a foaming 
fury by the unnecessary and often erroneous expressed opinions of others. 
On this point the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution were 
examples worthy of imitation. Each one held most sacred the reputa- 
tion of his co-workers. The few violations of this principle were 
frowned upon with an indignity that gave the recusants the Belshazzar 
trembles. 

Among them no one was more tender of character than Francis Light- 
foot Lee. He was the son of Thomas Lee-born in Westmoreland 
county, Virginia, on the 14th of October 1734. He was the brother of 
Richard Henry Lee whose eloquence rose higher but whose reflections 
were no deeper than those of Francis. In childhood he was admired 
for his docility and amiable deportment-in youth he was the pride of 
every circle in which he moved and when manhood dawned upon him 
he exhibited a dignity of mind and maturity of judgment that all 
delighted to honor. 

He was educated by the Rev. Mr. Craig a Scotch clergyman of 



220 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

high literary attainment and profound erudition. Under his tuition the 
germs of knowledge took deep root in the prolific mental soil of young 
Lee and produced plants of rapid and luxuriant growth. The Scotch 
literati are remarkable for deep investigation, thorough analyzation and 
lucid demonstration. I have never met one who was a pedant, a vain 
pretender or a superficial scholar. Under such an instructor the intel- 
lectual powers of Francis assumed a vigorous and healthful tone that 
placed him upon the substantial basis of useful knowledge and enduring 
fame. He was delighted with the solid sciences and spent less time in 
the bowers of Belles Lettres than his Ciceronean brother. The history 
of classic Greece and Republican Rome enraptured his mind with the 
love of liberty and liberal principles. He read closely, thought deeply 
and investigated thoroughly. He prosecuted his studies with untiring 
industry and became an excellent scholar without the advantages of 
European seminaries to which most of the sons of wealthy men were 
then sent to complete their education. Imitating the examples of his 
elder brothers who had received the highest polish of English gentilesse 
and French etiquette he became a polished gentleman in his manners. 
Raised in the midst of affluence, actuated by the purest ethics, free from 
a desire to participate in the follies of the world, living in the peaceful 
enjoyment of those refined pleasures that promote felicity without 
enervating the body or corrupting the heart, the favorite of his numerous 
acquaintances-his earthly happiness was of the purest kind. His mind 
richly stored with scientific theory and with correct moral and religious 
principles, he entered the school of experience and became emphatically 
a practical man. Possessed of an ample fortune he could devote his 
time to what he deemed most useful. Having early imbibed a love for 
rational liberty and having fully canvassed the conduct of the British 
ministry towards the American Colonies, Mr. Lee resolved to oppose the 
encroachments of the king upon the rights clearly guaranteed by the 
English constitution. He could not consent that the trappings of the 
crown, the pomp of the courts, the extravagance of the ministry and the 
expenses of the Parliament of Great Britain should be borne by the yoe- 
manry of America who were eloigned from the protection and fraternal 
feeling of that power, deprived of participating in legislation, subject to 
the caprice of every new cabinet created by the King, dragged from 
their native homes to be tried by a foreign jury, oppressed by the insolence 
of hireling officers, driven from under the mantle of constitutional rights 
and treated as mere vassals of the mother country. 

In 1765 he was elected to the house of Burgesses to represent 
Loudoun county where his estate was situated. He at once took a 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 221 

bold Stand in favor of rational Liberty. Blessed with a strong and 
investigating mind, a deep and penetrating judgment, a clear and acute 
perception, a pure and patriotic heart, a bold and fearless disposition- 
he became one of the most efficient advisers in the legislative body. 
He continued to represent Loudoun county until 1772 when he married 
the estimable Rebecca-daughter of Col. Taylor of Richmond county 
where he located permanently. The same year he was elected from 
his new district and continued to do good service in the house of Bur- 
gesses until he repaired to the Continental Congress. Amidst the 
gathering storm of the Revolution and the trying scenes that accumu- 
lated thick and fast around him-he stood unmoved and undismayed. 
He advocated every measure calculated to promote the independence 
of his country and was prolific in plans for the accomplishment of that 
much desired object. As a member of committees he had no superior. 
He was familiar with every form of government and understood well 
the rights conferred by Magna Charta and the British constitution. 
He was prepared to act advisedly and was resolved to resist unto 
blood the illegal advances of the designing and avaricious ministry. 
He made no pretensions to oratory, seldom spoke in public but when 
so highly excited as to rise he poured upon his opponents a flood of 
keen and withering logic that often made them quail. 

On the 15th of August 1775 Mr. Lee was elected to the Continental 
Congress. A more expansive field was then opened before him. To do 
or die-to live in chains or peril everything for Liberty had become 
the dilemma. Columbia's soil had been saturated with the blood and 
serum of Americans shed by the very men who had been cherished 
by their bounty and fed by their labor. The dim flickerings of hope 
for redress and conciliation were fast expiring in the socket of for- 
bearance. The great seal of the compact had been broken by the 
British ministry-the last petitions, addresses and remonstrances were 
prepared-the final course for the Colonies to pursue was soon to be 
determined. Inglorious peace or honorable war were the two propo- 
sitions. In favor of the last Mr. Lee put forth the strong energies of 
his mind. Eternal separation from England and Independence fo'* 
America could only satisfy his views. Being upon numerous commit- 
tees his influence was strongly felt. Liberty had become a desidera- 
tum with him. When the proposition of final separation from the 
mother country was submitted by his brother his soul was raised to 
the zenith of patriotic feeling. When the Declaration of Rights was 
adopted his mind was in an ecstacy of delight. His influence, vote 
and signature told how pure and strong were his desires in its favor. 



222 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

He rendered essential aid in framing the Articles of Confederation 
that governed Congress and the Colonies during the Revolution. This 
was a subject of great delicacy and labor. Besides the work ot the 
committee it passed through thirty-nine discussions in the House. He 
contended that the rights of contiguous fisheries and the free naviga- 
gation of the Mississippi river should be incorporated in the claims of 
the United States in all propositions of peace. The wisdom and saga- 
city of his position are now fully demonstrated. It was then opposed 
by some and not duly appreciated but by few. 

Mr. Lee was continued in Congress up to 1779 when he declined a 
re-election and retired from the public arena to scenes more congenial 
to him but less beneficial to the deliberations of the august body he 
had long graced with his wisdom. His enjoyment of domestic life 
was transient. Contrary to his wishes he was elected to the legisla- 
ture of his native state and repaired to the post of duty. After aiding 
in removing the perplexing difficulties that embarrassed the govern- 
ment of the Old Dominion he again retired to the peaceful retreat of 
private life where he remained until April 1797 when he was sum- 
moned to appear forthwith at the Bar of the God he loved and had 
honored through life. Calm and resigned he bowed submissively to 
the messenger who bore the mandate-bid his friends an affectionate 
farewell and took his departure triumphing in faith with a full assur- 
ance of a joyful reception in a brighter and better world. He died of 
pleurisy and was followed in a few days by his wife. They had no 
children but their graves were moistened by the tears of numerous 
relatives and friends. 

In public life Mr. Lee was eminently useful-his private worth shone 
with equal brilliancy. Always chaste, cheerful, amusing and instruc- 
tive-he delighted every circle in which he moved. Wealthy, benevo- 
lent and liberal-he was the widow's solace, the orphan's father and the 
poor man's friend. Kind, affectionate and intelligent-he was a good 
husband, a faithful companion and safe counsellor. Polished, urbane 
and gentlemanly-his manners were calculated to refine all around 
him. Moral, discreet and pious-his precepts had a salutary influence 
upon the minds of all who heard them and were not callous to good 
advice. He spurned the slanderer, kindly reproved the vicious and by 
counsel and example disseminated the principles of morality and reli- 
gion. He was a bright model of human excellence. 

It has been erroneously stated that he was unfriendly to Washing- 
ton. The mistake of the writer probably arose from incorrectly asso- 
ciating Gen. Charles Lee, who came from Wales in 1773, with the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 223 

Lees of Virginia and who was suspended from his command one 
year for disobedience to orders at the battle of Monmouth. He was 
a brave officer and only made a small mistake which he deeply re- 
gretted. The approval of the sentence was voted for in Congress by 
Francis. After the adoption of the Federal Constitution he was asked 
his opinion upon it. His answer shows his confidence in Washington. 
« I am old and do not pretend to judge these things now but one thing 
satisfies me it is all right-General Washington is in favor' of it and 
John Warden is opposed to it." Warden was opposed to our Inde- 
pendence. 

Let the shining examples of Mr. I^ee be reflected forcibly on our 
minds and lead us to do all the good in our power whilst we live and 
prepare for a peaceful and happy exit from the abysm of time. 



RICHARD HENRY LEE. 

Rhetoric, as defined in the lexicons, as taught in the schools, as prac- 
tised in times of peaceful leisure-is not the kind that graced the forum 
during the American Revolution. No studied or written speeches were 
then crowded upon the audience to kill time or gain popularity. Judge 
McKean remarked just before his death-" I do not recollect any formal 
speeches, such as are made in Parliament and our late Congresses. 
We had no time to hear such speeches-little for deliberation-action 
was the order of the day." 

School eloquence is very different from native heart-thrilling soul- 
stirring rhetoric. The former is like the rose in wax without odor-the 
latter like the rose upon its native bush perfuming the atmosphere with 
the rich odors distilled from the dew of heaven. The former is the 
finely finished statue of a Cicero or Demosthenes, more perfect in its 
lineaments than the original-the latter is the living man animated by 
intellectual power-rousing the deepest feelings of every heart-electrify- 
ing every soul as with vivid lightning. The former is a picture of the 
passions all on fire-the latter is the real conflagration pouring out a 
stream of impassioned words that burn like liquid flames bursting from 
a volcano. The former brings the fancy of an audience into playful 
action-the latter sounds an alarum that vibrates through the tingling 
ears to the soul and drives back the rushing blood upon the aching 
heart. The former moves the cerebral foliage in waves of recumbent 
beauty like a gentle wind passing over a prairie of tall grass and 
flowers-the latter strikes a blow that resounds through the wilderness 



224 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of mind like rolling thunder through a forest of oaks. The fornrier fails 
when strong commotions and angry elements agitate the public peace- 
ihe latter can ride upon the whirlwind of faction, direct the tornado of 
party spirit and rule the storm of boiling passion. This was the only 
Kind of eloquence practised by the Sages and Heroes who achieved our 
Independence. At such times school elocution is a mockery-a vain 
show that disgusts men when the fate of millions is suspended by a 
single hair. At such a crisis the deep fountains of the soul are broken 
up and gush out in living streams of natural overwhelming eloquence. 
Among the powerful orators of '76 was Richard Henry Lee, son of 
Thomas Lee, born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on the 20th 
of January 1732. His ancestors were among the early settlers of the 
Old Dominion and were prominent in directing the destiny of the 
Colony. They were men of liberal principles and at all times promptly 
resisted every encroachment upon their rights. The arbitrary power 
exercised by Charles L over his European subjects which hurled him 
from his throne, was resisted by the Lees. When Cromwell assumed 
the crown he was never recognised by Virginia. The mandate that 
proclaimed the second Charles King-originated with Lee and Berkley 
of the Old Dominion. The plan of ultimate Independence was che- 
rished by the elder Lees. Through the bright vista of the future they 
contemplated the millennium of Freedom in America. So strongly 
impressed was the father of Richard Henry with this idea that he fixed 
in his mind the location of the seat of government and purchased lands 
in the vicinity of Washington. By some historians this act is called a 
paradox that philosophy has been perplexed to explain. To my mind the 
solution has no perplexity. A man of deep reflection and large intelli- 
gence does not draw his conclusions alone from present appearances. 
He compares the past with the present and makes deductions for the 
future. The historic map of the world is covered with the rise, pro- 
gress and extinction of nations, kingdoms and empires. From the 
causes and effects delineated upon the same map, it was the natural 
conclusion of a penetrating mind that the expansive territory of this 
country, with all the bounties of nature lavished upon it, must eventu- 
ally become so densely populated that its physical force would be too 
powerful for any European country to hold dominion over it. The 
geographical centre was also plain as the settlements were then pro- 
gressing. This prophecy, as it has been termed, was the result of deep 
thought arriving at conclusions drawn from the unerring laws of nature, 
showing that Mr. Lee possessed an analyzing mind that moved in an 
extensive orbit. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 225 

Richard Henry Lee commenced his education at Wakefield, York- 
shire, England and remained in that kingdom until he completed it. 
He returned a finished scholar, an accomplished gentleman with a re- 
putation untarnished by vice or folly. From his childhood honesty and 
morality were his darling attributes-he delighted in reposing under the 
ethic mantle. During his absence his innate republicanism did not be- 
come tinctured with the farina of European courts or the etiquette of 
aristocracy. In classic history he found the true dignity of man per- 
trayed-his inalienable rights delineated. In the philosophy of Locke 
he saw the rays of light reflected upon human nature-the avenues of 
the immortal mind opened to his enraptured vision. In the Elements 
of Euclid the laws of demonstration were presented to his delighted 
understanding and gave fresh vigor to his logical powers. Endowed 
with these qualifications he was prepared to enter upon the great theatre 
of public action and adorn the circle of private life. 

His first public act was in raising a company of troops and tendering 
his services to Gen. Braddock. That proud Briton considered the Pro- 
vincials puerile and declined the proffered aid. His fate is a matter of 
history. In 1757 Mr. Lee was appointed a Justice of the Peace and 
President of the Court. Shortly after he was elected to the House of 
Burgesses and made himself thoroughly acquainted with the laws of 
legislation and government-the true policy and various interests of the 
colony and with the rules of parliamentary proceedings. Retarded by 
an almost unconquerable diffidence, he took very little part in debate 
at first. It was not until he became excited by a subject in which he 
felt a deep interest that his Ciceronean powers were developed. A bill 
was before the House imposing a duty on the importation of slaves 
into Virginia-virtually amounting to a prohibition. It was strongly 
opposed by several inffuential members. Mr. Lee became roused and 
poured upon his astonished audience such a flood of burning eloquence 
against the importation of human beings to be made slaves, that his op- 
ponents trembled as they listened. In vivid colors he painted the cru- 
elties of Cortes in South America, the Saracens in Spain and passed 
through the dark catalogue of monsters who had disgraced humanity 
with barbarism-then pointed his colleagues to the darker blot-the more 
barbarous practices that branded with infamy the unhallowed slave- 
trade then monopolized by mother Britain. He pointed to the bloody 
scenes of other times when the physical force of the slaves had ena- 
bled them to rise and crush their masters at one bold stroke. By stop- 
ping the traffic, the evil entailed upon them might be provided for and 
the certain and dreadful consequences of a constant influx from Africa 
29 



226 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

be warded off. His eloquence was applauded but his philanthropic 
views were voted down by the friends of the crown. The trade was 
virtually originated and long continued by Great Britain, now so loud 
in complaints against us for not at once providing for an evil entailed 
by her. Had this bill passed, her revenue would have been less and 
thousands of Africans left at their peaceful homes. O ! shame where 
is thy blush ! 

This powerful effort raised Mr. Lee to the rank of the Cicero of 
America. The exposure of the base corruptions practised by Mr. Rob- 
inson, then treasurer of the Colony, was the next important service 
rendered by him. As this was an attack upon the aristocracy, it re- 
quired much skill, boldness and sagacity to introduce the probe suc- 
cessfully. This he did in a masterly manner and proved clearly that 
the treasurer had repeatedly re-issued reclaimed treasury bills to his 
favorite friends to support them in their extravagance by which the 
Colony was robbed of the amount by their payment a second time with- 
out a quid pro quo [equivalent.] For this bold act Mr. Lee was ap- 
plauded by every honest man-hated and dreaded by public knaves. 

When Charles Townshend laid before the British Parliament the 
odious and more extensive plan of taxing the American colonies which 
Mr. Grenville called the philosopher's stone, Mr. Lee was among the 
first to sound the alarm. Within one month after the passage of the 
preliminary Act in Parliament followed by a revolting catalogue of 
unconstitutional arid oppressive laws, he furnished his London friends 
with a list of arguments against it sufficient to convince every reason- 
able man of the injustice and impolicy of the measure. When Patrick 
Henry proposed his bold resolutions against the Stamp Act in 1765 
Mr. Lee gave them the powerful aid of his eloquent and unanswerable 
logic. He was very active in the formation of associations to resist 
the encroachments of the crown. He aided in compelling the collector 
of stamps to relinquish his office, deliver up his commission and the 
odious stamp paper. The people were advised not to touch or handle 
it. His pen was also ably used and produced many keen, withering, 
lon-ical, patriotic, pungent essays that had a salutary influence upon the 
public mind. He corresponded with the patriots of New York and 
New England. According to the testimony of Col. Gadsden of S. C. 
and the public documents of that eventful era, Mr. Lee was the first 
man who proposed the Independence of the colonies. He had unques- 
tionably imbibed the idea from his father whose ancestors had predicted 
it for the last hundred years and had probably handed it down from 
sire to son. In a letter from Richard Henry Lee to Mr. Dickinson 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 227 

dated July 25th 17G8 he proposes upon all seasonable occasions to 
impress upon the minds of the people the necessity of a struggle with 
Great Britain ""^for the xdtimate establishment of independence— that pri- 
vate correspondence should he conducted hy the lovers of liberty in every 
jjrovince.'" His early proposition in Congress to sever the maternal 
ties was considered premature by most of the friends of Liberty. He 
had long nursed this favorite project in his own bosom-he was anxious 
to transplant its vigorous scions into the congenial bosoms of his fellow 
patriots. 

Soon after the House of Burgesses convened in 1769, as chairman 
of the judiciary committee, Mr. Lee introduced resolutions so highly 
charged with liberal principles calculated to demolish the Grenville 
superstructure and reduce to dust his iSiWsmanic philosophei'^s stone, that 
they caused a dissolution of. the House and concentrated the wrath of 
the British ministry and its servile bipeds against him. The rich frdits 
of their persecution were the formation of non-importation associations, 
committees of safety and correspondence and the disaffection of the 
English merchants towards the mother country in consequence of the 
impolitic measures calculated to prostrate their importing and export- 
ing trade. Lord North now assumed the management of the grand 
drama of oppression and laid more deeply the revenue plan. By caus- 
ing a repeal of the more offensive Acts he hoped to lull the storm of 
opposition that was rapidly rising and prepare for more efficient ac- 
tion. Had the Boston Port Bill been omitted his dark designing trea- 
chery might have succeeded more triumphantly. This fanned the 
burning flame of resentment to a white heat. It spoke in language too 
plain to be mistaken-too strong to be endured. 

In 1774 Mr. Lee was a delegate to the Congress convened at Phila- 
delphia. At that memorable meeting he acted a conspicuous part. 
After Patrick Henry had broken the seal that rested on the lips of the 
members as they sat in deep and solemn silence, he was followed by 
Mr. Lee in a strain of belles-lettres eloquence and persuasive reasoning 
that took the hearts of his audience captive and restored to a calm the 
boiling agitation that shook their manly frames as the mountain torrent 
of Demosthenean eloquence was poured upon them by Henry. He 
was upon the committee that prepared an address to the king-the 
people of Great Britain and to the Colonies. Those documents were 
written by him and adopted with but few amendments. He was upon 
the committee that prepared the address to the people of Quebec and 
upon the committee of rights and grievances and non-intercourse with 
the mother country. In the warmth of his ardor he proposed several 



228 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

resolutions that were rejected because considered premature at that 
time-not that the purity of his motives were doubted. Many of the 
members still hoped that timely redress of grievances would restore 
peace. They had clearly and forcibly set forth their complaints and 
desires and could not yet be persuaded that ministers were madly bent 
on ruin. For solidity of reasoning, force of sagacity and wisdom of 
conclusion-the proceedings of that Congress stand without a parallel 
upon the historic page. So thought Lord Chatham, Burke and many 
of the wisest English statesmen at that time. 

In 1775 Mr. Lee was unanimously elected to the Virginia Legisla- 
ture where the same zeal for Liberty marked his bold career. He re- 
ceived a vote of thanks for his noble course in Congress and was made 
a delegate for the next session. A more congenial field now opened 
for this ardent patriot. Temporizing was no longer the order of the 
the day. Vigorous action had become necessary. His zeal and in- 
dustry had ample scope. With all his might he entered into the good 
work. Upon committees-in the house, everywhere he was all activity. 
In 1776 he was a member of Congress. In obedience to the instruc- 
tions of the Virginia Legislature and his long nursed desires, on the 
7th of June he rose amidst the assembled patriots of the nation in the 
Hall of Liberty and offered the resolution for the adoption of a Decla- 
ration of Independence This resolution he enforced by one of the 
most brilliant and powerful displays of refined and forcible eloquence 
ever exhibited in our country. On the 10th of the same month he was 
called home by the illness of his family which prevented him from 
taking his place as chairman of the committee upon his resolution 
agreeably to parliamentary rules. Mr. Jefferson was put in his place. 
The wrath of British power against him was now at its zenith. Dur- 
ing his short stay at home an armed force broke into his house at night 
and by threats and bribes endeavoured to induce his servants to inform 
them where he could be found. He was that night a few miles distant 
with a friend. They were told he had gone to Philadelphia. 

In August he returned to Congress and most gladly affixed his name 
to that sacred instrument upon which his imagination had feasted for 
years. He continued at his post until June 1777 when he returned 
home to confute a base slander charging him with unfaithfulness to the 
American cause in consequence of having received rents in kind instead 
of Continental money. He was honorably acquitted by the Assembly 
and received a vote of thanks from that body for his fidelity and indus- 
try in the cause of freedom-rather a cooler to his semi-tory enemies. 
During the two ensuing years his bad health compelled him to leave 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 229 

Congress several times, but his counsel was at the command of his col- 
leagues at all times. Nothing but death could abate his zeal in the 
good cause. 

The portals of military glory were now opened to Mr. Lee. He was 
appointed to the command of the militia of his native county and proved 
as competent to wield the sword and lead his men to action as he was 
to command an audience by his powerful eloquence. Defeated in the 
north the British made a rush upon the Southern States. Whenever 
they approached the neighbourhood under the charge of Mr; Lee they 
found his arrangements a little too precise for their convenience and 
abandoned their visits entirely. In 1780—1—2 he served in the Virginia 
legislature. The proposition of making paper bills a legal tender-of 
paying debts due to the mother country and of a general assessment to 
support the Christian religion-were then before the House and excited 
great interest. Mr. Lee advocated and Mr. Henry opposed them. 
From the necessity of the case he was in favor of the first. L^pon the 
sacredness of contracts he based his arguments in favor of the second 
and from ethics he drew conclusions in favor of the last. He said re- 
finers might weave reason into as fine a web as they pleased but the 
experience of all time had shown religion to be the guardian of morals. 
He contended that the declaration of rights was aimed at restrictions 
in the form and mode of worship and not against the legal compulsory 
support of it. In this Mr. Lee erred. He probably had forgotten that 
Christ declared his kingdom was not of this world and that the great 
Head of the Christian religion had for ever dissolved the bans of church 
and state by that declaration. In other respects the position is untena- 
ble in a republican government and can never promote genuine piety 
in any. 

In 1784 he was again elected to Congress and chosen President of 
that body. At the close of the session he received a vote of thanks 
for the faithful and able performance of his duty and retired to the 
bosom of his family to rest from his long and arduous toils. He was 
a member of the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution and 
took a deep interest in the formation of that saving instrument. He 
was a U. S. Senator in the first Congress that convened under it and 
fully sustained his previous high reputation. Infirmity at length com- 
pelled him to bid a final farewell to the public arena. His last public 
services were rendered in the legislature of his own state. On his 
retirement a most flattering resolution of thanks for his numerous 
valuable services was passed by that body on the 22d of October 1792. 
He then retired to the peaceful shades of Chantilly in his native county 



230 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

crowned with a chaplet of amaranthine flowers emitting rich odors 
lasting as time. There he hved-esteemed, beloved, respected and ad- 
mired until the 19th of June 1794 when the angel of death liberated 
his immortal spirit from its clay prison-seraphs conducted his soul to 
realms of bliss there to enjoy the reward of a life well spent. 

Mr. Lee was a rare model of human excellence and refinement. 
He was a polished gentleman, scholar, orator and statesman. In ex- 
ploring the vast fields of science he gathered the choicest flowers-the 
most substantial fruits. The classics. Belles Lettres-the elements of 
civil, common, national and municipal law-the principles of every 
kind of government were all familiar to his mind. He was ardently 
patriotic, pure and firm in his purposes, honest and sincere in his mo- 
tives, liberal in his principles, frank in his designs, honorable in his 
actions. As an orator the modulatiori of his voice, manner of action 
and mode of reasoning were a fac simile of Cicero as described by 
RoUin. He richly merited the appellation-CicERo of America. 

His private character was above reproach. He possessed and exer- 
cised all those amiable qualities calculated to impart substantial hap- 
piness to all around him. To crown with enduring splendor all his 
rich and varied talents-he was a consistent Christian-an honest man. 
As his dust reposes in peace let his examples deeply impress our hearts 
and excite us to fulfil the duties of life to the honor of ourselvesj our 
country and our God. 



FRANCIS LEWIS. 

The patriotic sages and daring heroes of the American Revolution 
were from different countries and of various pursuits. One feeling 
pervaded the bosoms and influenced the actions of all-the love of 
Liberty. This main spring of action was confined to no business or 
profession. All classes who loved their country and hated chains flew 
to the rescue. Self interest lost its potent powers and thousands pledged 
their lives and fortunes to defend their bleeding country against the 
merciless oppression and exorbitant demands of an unyielding mo- 
narch. No class of men better understood the injustice of the mother 
country than those engaged in commerce. Many bold spirits rushed 
from the counting house to the forum and the field, resolved on victory 
or death. 

Among them was Francis Lewis, born at LandafT, in the shire of 
Glamorgan, South Wales, March 1713. His father was an Episcopal 



OE THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 231 

clergyman, his mother was the daug' ter of the Rev. Dr. Pettingal of 
tne same sect who officiated at Cseniarvonshire in North Wales. 

Francis was an only child and lost both his parents when only fif- 
teen. A maternal aunt, named Llawelling, became his guardian. She 
had him early instructed in the Cymraeg language which he never 
lost. He was subsequently sent to a relative in Scotland where he 
was taught the original Celtic language. From there he entered the 
Westminster school at London and became a good classical scholar. 
He then entered a counting house and became thoroughly acquainted 
with the entire routine of commercial transactions which prepared him 
to enter into business understandingly and with safety. 
. When arrived at his majority he inherited a small fortune which he 
laid out in merchandize and embarked for New York where he arrived 
in the spring of 1735. He found his stock too large for that city-en- 
tered into partnership with Edward Annesley, leaving with him a 
part of his goods, proceeding with the balance to Philadelphia, At 
the end of two years he settled permanently in New York and married 
Elizabeth Annesley, sister of his partner in trade. To these ancestors 
may be traced the numerous and respectable families of the same 
name now residing in and about New York. 

Commercial transactions frequently called Mr. Lewis to the prin- 
cipal ports of Europe and to the Shetland and Orkney Islands. He 
was twice shipwrecked on the coast of Ireland. His great industry, 
spotless integrity and skill in business, gave- him a high position in 
commercial circles, showing clearly the great advantage derived from 
a thorough apprenticeship in business before a young man sets up for 
himself. 

At the commencement of the French war he was the agent for sup- 
plying the British army with clothing. At the sanguinary attack and 
reduction of Oswego by the French troops under Gen. Dieskau, Mr 
Lewis was standing by the side of Col. Mersey when he was killed. He 
was taken prisoner and held a long time by the Indians enduring the 
severest sufferings. As a small compensation the British government 
granted him five hundred acres of land. 

Mr. Lewis was among the early and determined opposers to the unjust 
pretensions of the British ministers. He was a distinguished and active 
member of the Colonial Congress that assembled in New York in the 
autumn of 1765 to devise and mature measures to effectuate a redress of 
injuries. A petition was prepared to the King and House of Conmions 
and a memorial to the House of Lords. The language was respectful 
but every line breathed a firm determination no longer to yield to injury 



232 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

and insult. The chrysalis of the Revolution was then and there formed 
The eruptions of the volcano occasionally subsided but as the lava of 
insubordination would again burst out the crater was enlarged and the 
volume increased until the whole country became inundated by the ter- 
rific flood of war, red with the blood of thousands. 

In 1771 Mr. Lewis visited England and became familiar with the feel- 
ings and designs of the British ministry. From that time he was fully 
convinced that the infant Colonies in America could never enjoy their 
inalienable rights until they severed the parental ties that bound them to 
the mother country. On all proper occasions he communicated his views 
to the friends of freedom and did much to awaken his fellow citizens to 
a just sense of impending dangers. 

When it was determined to convene the Continental Congress Mr. 
Lewis was unanimously elected a member by the delegates convened for 
that purpose on the 22d day of April 1775. He immediately repaired to 
the Keystone city and entered upon the important duties assigned him. 
The following year he was continued in Congress and recorded his name 
upon the chart of Independence. His great experience in commer- 
cial and general business united with a clear head, a patriotic heart, 
a matured and reflecting mind richly stored with intelligence-rendered 
him a useful and influential member. As an active and judicious man 
on business committees he stood pre-eminent. As a warm and zealous 
advocate of his country's rights he had no rival. 

He was continued a member of Congress to April 1779 when he 
obtained leave of absence. He had suffered much in loss of property 
which was wantonly destroyed by the British troops. 

Time or angel's tears can never blot out the damning stigma that rests 
upon the escutcheon of Great Britain for personal abuse and the wanton 
destruction of private property during the Revolutionary War. Talk of 
savage barbarity. He is a Pagan and knows none but his own mode of 
warfare. England has professed to be the conservatory of Christianity 
for centuries. Compared with the brutality of her armies in America, 
looking at her in the light of even a civilized nation, savage barbarity is 
thrown in the distance so far that it could not be seen through a micros- 
cope of a million power. 

Not content with destroying the property of Mr. Lewis, the British 
seized his unprotected wife and placed her in close confinement without 
a bed-a change of clothes-almost without food and exposed to the 
cowardly and gross insults of wretches who were degraded so far below 
the wild man of the wilderness, that could an Archimedian lever of com- 
mon decency have been applied to them with Heaven for a fulcrum and 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 233 

Gabriel to man it, they could not have been raised, in a thousand years, 
to the grade of common courtesy. No true American can trace the 
cruelties of the British troops during the times that verily tried men and 
women's souls, without having his blood rush back upon his aching heart- 
his indignation roused to a boiling heat. 

Mrs. Lewis was retained in prison several months and finally 
exchanged, through the exertions of Gen. Washington, for a Mrs. 
Barrow, the wife of a British paymaster retained for the express purpose 
but treated in the most respectful manner and made perfectly comforta- 
ble with a respectable family. The base imprisonment of Mrs. Lewis 
caused her premature death. 

At the close of the war Mr. Lewis was reduced from affluence to 
poverty. He had devoted his talents, his property to the cause of Liberty 
and what was infinitely more-the wife of his youth-the mother of his 
children had been brutally sacrificed by the hyenas of the crown. Not- 
withstanding these heart rending misfortunes the evening of his life was 
made comfortable by his enterprising children and on the 30th day of 
December 1803, calm and resigned, peaceful and happy, he closed his 
eventful and useful life. 

He left a well earned fame that will survive, unimpaired, the revolu- 
tions of time. His private character was a fair unsullied sheet as pure 
and valued as his public life was useful and illustrious. As a man of 
business he stood in the front rank. He was the first merchant who made 
a shipment of wheat from America to Europe. He was the pioneer in 
the transporting trade. He was a full man in all that he undertook. His 
shining examples are worthy of our imitation in all the walks of a good 
and useful life. 



PHILIP LIVINGSTON. 

Men often originate designs and engage in transactions that produce 
results in direct opposition to their desires. Religious persecution 
scattered the primitive Christians to various parts of the world and in- 
stead of annihilating the doctrines of the Cross they were thus more 
widely spread over the earth. For the enjoyment of the liberty of con- 
science the emigrants to New England left their native homes. For the 
same reason the Huguenots of France fled before the blighting edict 
of Nantes in 1685, many of them settling in the city of New York. 
To the persecuted and oppressed-America was represented as a land 
of rest. Immigrants poured in upon our shores from France, Holland, 
30 



234 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Germany, England, Ireland and Scotland-among whom were many 
eminent for piety, intelligence and liberal principles. They were also 
men of courage and fortitude, at that time considered necessary requi- 
sites in the perilous undertaking of leaving the old for the new world. 
Among those who came to our country were men of all the learned 
professions, the liberal arts and sciences, trades and occupations. 

Robert Livingston was the son of an eminent Scotch divine who 
died in 1672. Robert then came to this country and obtained a grant 
for the manor along the Hudson River. He had three sons-Philip, 
father of the present subject-Robert, grandfather of Chancellor Living- 
ston, and Gilbert, grandfather of the Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston. 

Philip, the subject of this brief sketch, was born at Albany on the 
15th of January 1716. He was one of the few who enjoyed a colle- 
giate education at that period. After his preparatory studies he en- 
tered Yale College and graduated in 1737. He had strong native 
talent improved by the lights of a liberal education. Religion and 
moral rectitude prepared him for a career of usefulness. In those 
days of republican simplicity and common sense the graduates of an 
American college did not believe themselves licensed to ride rough 
shod over those whose literary advantages were less-nor did they be- 
lieve themselves exonerated from the field, the shop and the counting 
house and destined only for the learned professions. They thought it 
no disparagement to apply themselves to agricultural, mechanical and 
commercial pursuits and wear apparel spun and wove by the hands of 
their noble mothers and hale sisters. An enervating change is visible. 

Mr. Livingston engaged extensively and successfully in mercantile 
business in the city of New York and became noted for punctuality, 
honesty and fair dealing. Reposing full confidence in his integrity, 
ihen a necessary passport to public honors, his fellow citizens elected 
him an alderman in 1754, which office he filled for nine consecutive 
years, doing much to promote the peace and prosperity of the city. 
In 1759 he was elected to the colonial assembly which had important 
business on hand. Great Britain was at war with France which 
brought the northern Colonies in contact with the French and Indians. 
Twenty thousand men were to be raised by the colonists to guard the 
frontier settlements and carry the war into the Canadas. The province 
of New York raised 2680 men and 250,000 pounds to aid in the pro- 
posed object, 

Mr. Livingston took an active and judicious part in these delibera- 
tions. He introduced laws for the advancement of commerce, agricul- 
ture and various other improvements-manifesting a sound judgment 

y 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 235 

and liberal views. He was an active member on the Cominittee of 
Foreign Relations that wisely selected Edmund Burke to represent the 
interests of the Colony in the British Parliament. Through the lucid 
communications of Mr. Livingston that celebrated statesman and friend 
to America was made thoroughly acquainted with the situation, feelings 
and interests of the colonists. 

After the dissolution of the Assembly by the death of George II. Mr. 
Livingston was elected to the one organized under tiie new dynasty. 
In 1764 he wrote an answer to the message of Lieutenant Governor Col- 
den, pointing out, in bold but respectful language, the oppressions and 
infringements of the British ministry upon colonial rights. He at once 
became the nucleus around which a band of patriots gathered and 
formed a nut too hard to be cracked by the sledgehammer of monar- 
chy. The governor uniformly dissolved the Assembly at the com.- 
mencement of its session if he found a majority of the members were 
liberals. 

In 1768 the Assembly consisted of the brightest luminaries of talent 
then in the Colony. Mr. Livingston was unanimously elected Speaker. 
Discovering that a majority of the members were not pliant enough for 
tools nor submissive slaves, Governor Moore dissolved them and or- 
dered a new election. He succeeded in obtaining a majority of creep- 
ing things but patriots enough were elected to hold the minions of the 
crown in awe. Disgusted at the tyranny of the governor, Mr. Living- 
ston declined a re-election in the city but was returned to the Assem- 
bly by the people upon his manor. On mature deliberation he took 
his seat but w^as objected to because not a resident of the district for 
which he was elected. The Argus eyes of the patriots quickly disco- 
vered that by this very plan the governor had succeeded in obtaining a 
majority in his favor— most of his creatures being in the same predica- 
ment. To save their own glass houses from a smash they withdrew 
their objection to Mr. Livingston. During the session he offered a re- 
solution setting forth the grievances of his countrymen and the viola- 
tion of chartered rights. This gave great umbrage to the adherents 
of the crown and they determined to expel him from his seat on the 
ground of his non-residence in the district he represented. This was 
done by a vote of 17 to 6, a very large majority of the members being 
in the same situation. This blind act was on par with the whole 
course of the infatuated ministry and their hirelings. It constituted a 
thread in tie web that England wove to make a straight jacket for 
herself. 

A wider field now opened for Mr. L. He was elected to the first 



236 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Congress at Philadelphia and became a brilliant star in the galaxy of 
national patriots. He was one of the committee that prepared the 
spirited address to the British nation and roused from their lethargy 
those whose attention had not been turned to the all important subjects 
then in agitation-involving a nation's rights and a nation's wrongs. 
He was continued a member of Congress and when the grand birth- 
day of our nation arrived-aided in the thrilling duties of the occasion- 
invoked the smiles of Heaven upon the new swathed infant and gave 
the sanction of his name to the Magna Charta that secured to our na- 
tion a towering majesty-a sublime grandeur before unknown. 

In 1777 he was a member of the convention that framed the consti- 
tution of New York. He was elected to the Senate and attended the 
first legislature of the empire state. The same year he was elected to 
Congress, then in session at York, Penn. having been compelled to flee 
before the conquering foe. Deeply afflicted with hydro-thorax [dropsy 
of the chest] he felt that his labors must speedily close. It was in the 
spring of 1778 when the dark mantle of gloom hung over the bleeding 
Colonies. Under these circumstances he was willing to devote his last 
hours to the interest of his beloved country. He had freely given her 
his best services and a large portion of his pecuniary means. His 
familv had fled to Kingston on the approach of the enemy. He repaired 
there to arrange his private business in the best possible manner. He 
wrote a valedictory letter to his friends at Albany-urged them to 
remain firm in the cause of Liberty-trust in God for deliverance and 
bade them an afl'ectionate-a final farewell. He then clasped his lovely 
wife and dear children to his bosom for the last time on earth-com- 
mended them to Heaven's guardian care-gave them a look of tender- 
ness-a fervent kiss and was gone. 

On the 5th of May he took his seat in Congress, exhausted and 
feeble, but determined to remain at his post until the lamp of life should 

burn out. « 

Although standing on the confines of eternity, his zeal in the cause 
of human rights shone brightly to the last. For himself he could not 
anticipate the enjoyment of the fruit of his numerous and protracted 
toils but for his family and his countrymen he felt deeply-hoped ar- 
dently. He had full confidence that Independence would be sustained 
and that a glorious Republic would rise upon the ruins of monarchy. 

In June his health failed rapidly and on the 12th of that month, 1778 
he yielded to the monarch Death to whom he owed a momentary alle- 
(riance-paid the debt-took a release and a passport to mansions in the 
skies. He was buried the same day with all the mournful \\ouovs due 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 237 

lo his great worth-deeply lamented by all the friends of freedom. His 
amiable wife was not with him but he had a friend that sticketh closer 
than a brother-one that had been his stay and support in every hour 
of trial and smoothed the pillow of death-RELicioN. Angels waited for 
the transit of his immortal soul-opened wide the gates of Heaven to let 
the patriot in-the King of glory decked him with a robe of white, en- 
rolled his name in the book of life and crowned him with that peaceful 
rest which is the reward of a pure heart and a virtuous life. 

The private character of Mr. Livingston was a continued eulogy 
upon virtue, philanthropy, benevolence, urbanity, integrity, nobleness, 
honesty, patriotism, consistency and all the leading qualities that render 
man dignified on earth and fit for Heaven. 

His public career was an exemplification of all the noble qualities 
that render a patriot complete and endear him to a nation of freemen. 
With such men to wield the destiny of our expanding nation-our coun- 
try is safe-our UNION secure. 



THOMAS LYNCH Jr. 

The prudent man soars in peerless majesty above the trifling vani- 
ties and corrupting pleasures of this world and lives in constant readi- 
ness to enter the mansions of bliss beyond this vale of tears. He 
regards the past, present and future in the light of Revelation and 
meets the dispensations of Providence with calm resignation. He 
views mankind in the bright sunshine of charity-exemplifies the 
golden rule in his intercourse with the world. He investigates impar- 
tially, reasons logically-condemns reluctantly. Prudence is not the 
necessary result of shining talents, brilliant genius or great learning. 
A profound scholar may astonish the world with scientific discoveries- 
pour upon mankind a flood of light-enrapture the immortal mind 
with theological eloquence-point erring man to the path of rectitude 
and render himself powerless by imprudent conduct. One grain of 
prudence is of more value than a cranium crowded with unbridled 
genius or a flowing stream of vain wit. Dangers gather thick around 
the frail bark of man without it and hurry him to destruction. It is 
the real ballast of human life. So thought and so acted the Sages of 
the American Revolution, else their eflbrts would have been vain, 
their exertions powerless. 

Among them stood the young patriot Thomas Lynch Jr. born on 
the plantation of his father on the bank of the North Santee river in 



238 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the parish of Prince George S. C. on the 5th of August 1749. His 
paternal ancestors were of Austrian descent and highly respectable. 
The direct ancestor of young Thomas removed to Kent in England, 
from thence to Ireland, a son of whom, Jonack Lynch, removed from 
Connaught to South Carolina in the early time of its settlement. He 
was the great grandfather of the subject of this short sketch-a man of 
liberal views and pure morals. 

In childhood Thomas Lynch Jr. was deprived of his mother by 
death. At the proper age he was placed at the Indigo Society School 
at Georgetown, S. C. where some of the most eminent sages of the 
south were educated. Warmed by the genial rays of science the 
mind of young Lynch soon burst from its embryo state and exhibited 
a pleasing and luxuriant growth. His progress was rapid and highly 
gratifying to his anxious father whose only child he was. At the age 
of thirteen he entered the far famed school at Eton, Buckinghamshire, 
England, founded by Henry VI. At that school he commenced his 
classical studies. After completing his course there he was entered as 
a gentleman commoner in the University of Cambridge where he be- 
came a finished scholar and polished gentleman, esteemed and respected 
by his acquaintances. lie then entered the law temple and became 
well versed in legal knowledge and general science and was well pre- 
pared to enter upon the great theatre of action. 

During his stay he cultivated an extensive acquaintance with the 
whigs of England and became familiar with the designs of British 
ministers upon the Colonies. He investigated closely the relative 
situation of the two countries and came home in 1772 prepared and 
determined to oppose the oppressions of the crown and strike for 
LIBERTY. As the dark clouds of the Revolution loomed up from the 
horizon and increased in fearful blackness the firmness of his purpose 
increased. These were fostered by his patriotic father and responded 
to by the people of the parish. Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder 
did the sire and son march to the rescue resolved to put forth their 
noblest efforts to throw off the chains of tyranny. 

The first attempt of this young patriot to speak in public after his 
return was at a large town meeeting in Charleston. His father had 
just addressed the assembled multitude on the subject of British oppres- 
sion and sat down amidst the enthusiastic cheers of his fellow citizens. 
His youthful son then rose. A profound silence ensued. The eyes 
of the dense mass were fixed upon him. For a moment he paused. 
The blood rushed back upon his aching heart. It returned to its thou- 
sand channels-his bosom heaved-the struggle was over-an impassioned 



OF THE AMERICAN K EVOLUTION. 239 

Strain of eloquence burst from him that carried the insulating fluid of 
patriotism to the hearts of his astonished and delighted audience with 
irresistible force. Tears of joy ran down the furrowed cheeks of his 
father-bursts of applause from the enraptured multitude made the 
welkin ring. Such meu could not remain slaves. 

When the crisis arrived for physical action he was among the first 
to offer his services. In July 1775 he received a captaincy and re- 
paired to Newbern, N. C. where he unfurled the star spangled banner 
and in a few weeks enlisted a full complement of men. ' His father 
objected to his acceptance of so low a grade to whom his affectionate 
son modestly replied-" My present command is fully equal to my ex- 
perience" - a reply worthy the consideration of every young man 
who desires to build his fame upon a substantial basis. If a man is 
suddenly placed upon a towering eminence to which he is unaccus- 
tomed, the nerves of his brain must be unusually strong if he does 
not grow dizzy, tremble, totter-fall. If he ascends gradually-pauses at 
different points of altitude as he advances, he may reach the loftiest 
spire, preserve his equilibrium and stand in safety. Sudden elevations 
often prove disastrous. 

On his way to Charleston with his company Capt. Lynch was pros- 
trated by the bilious fever from which he never entirely recovered and 
was not able to join his regiment for several months. Soon after this 
he received intelligence of the dangerous illness of his father-then a 
member of Congress at Philadelphia. He applied to Col. Gadsden for 
permission to leave for that city which was refused on the ground that 
his services were paramount to all private considerations. His unex- 
pected election to Congress to succeed his father, by a unanimous vote 
of the Assembly, enabled him to leave at once. With great diffidence 
he took his seat in the Congress of 1776 amidst veteran sages and 
statesmen whose combined talents and wisdom are without a rival on 
the pages of history. 

On his arrival at Philadelphia he found his revered father partially 
relieved from a paralytic attack and in August started with him for 
home. They only reached Annapolis where the venerable sage died in 
the arms of his son. 

On entering the national legislature Capt. Lynch became a bold and 
eloquent advocate for the Declaration of Independence and soon con- 
vinced his senior colleagues that he had a full share of wisdom to con- 
ceive, patriotism to impel and prudence to guide him in the glorious 
cause of freedom. He cheerfully and fearlessly affixed his name to the 
Magna Charta of our rights and did all in his power and more than 



240 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

his feeble health would warrant to advance the best interests of his ex 
coriated-bleeding country. He was finally connpelled to yield to in- 
creasing ill health and relinquish his honorable station. 

Medical skill proved futile and as advised by his physicians, he and 
his accomplished wife embarked for Europe at the close of 1779 with 
Capt. Morgan, whose vessel was never heard from after she had been 
a few days at sea and then from a Frenchman who left her from some 
cause unexplained and went on board another vessel. Soon after he 
left her a violent gale came on and beyond all doubt the vessel went 
down with all on board. Previous to embarking he made a will be- 
queathing his large estate to three sisters in case of the death of him 
self and wife, having no children. 

The private character of this worthy man was pure and in all respects 
amiable. Had his valuable life been spared his eminent talents and great 
zeal promised important services to his country and an elevated rank 
among the sages and patriots of the eventful era at which he com- 
menced his brilliant but transient career. Short as was his public 
tenure he did enough to immortalize his name. Although his bright 
morning sun did not reach its meridian, its splendor contributed 
largely in illuminating the horizon of Liberty and shed a rich lustre 
over his name that will render his memory sacred through all future 
time. 

The brief career of Thomas Lynch Jr. admonishes us that life is held 
by a slender cord and that exalted talents and splendid accomplish- 
ments, like some rich flowers, often bloom just long enough to be 
gazed at and admired-then close up their petals and hide their beauties 
for ever from our enraptured sight. 



THOMAS McKEAN. 

Great designs require the deep consideration of strong, vigorous 
and investigating minds. Imposing events open a wide field for fame 
and bring to view powers of intellect that would never unfold their 
beauties under ordinary circumstances. Hence the brilliancy of talent 
that illuminated the glorious era of the American Revolution. Many 
who became eminent statesmen and renowned heroes during that me- 
morable struggle would have remained within the sphere of their par- 
ticular occupation in time of peace. The public gaze would never 
have been fixed upon them-they would have passed away with a rich 
mine of undeveloped mental powers. Hence the erroneous expression 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 241 

I have heard from men who do not analyze all they read, hear and see- 
that we have no men among us now with the exalted talents ot ihe 
sages of '76. Just such an occasion would explode the error. 

That many of the patriots of that eventful period were men of unu- 
sual ability and acquijrements-I freely-proudly admit. That the mo- 
mentous transactions that engaged their attention served to add an un- 
equalled lustre to their names is emphatically true. The perils that 
encompassed them -the dangers that surrounded them -the mighty 
work they conceived, planned and consummated-all combine to shed a 
sacred halo around their well earned fame. 

Prominent among them was Thomas McKean, a native of Chester 
County, Pennsylvania, born on the 19th of March 1734. He was the 
son of William McKean who immigrated from Ireland at an early 
age. He placed this son under the tuition of Rev. Francis Allison 
then principal of the most popular seminary of the province. He was a 
gentleman of profound erudition and science. 

The intellect of Thomas budded and bloomed like the rose of spring. 
He was a close student-his rapid attainments gave an earnest of a 
bright future. He left the seminary a thorough linguist, a practical 
mathematician, a moral philosopher, a finished scholar, an accom- 
plished gentleman-esteemed, respected and admired by his numerous 
friends. 

He then commenced the study of Law under David Kinney, of New- 
castle, Delaware. He explored the interminable field of this science 
with unusual success and was admitted to the bar under the most fa- 
vorable auspices. He commenced his professional career at New- 
castle-soon acquiring a lucrative practice and proud reputation. He 
extended his business into his native province and was admitted to the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1757. His strict attention to busi- 
ness and superior legal acumen made him extensively and favorably 
known. He avoided the modern error of too many young lawyers who 
suppose an admission to the bar closes the toils of the student. Fatal 
mistake my young friends. You are at the very threshold of your 
reading. Relaxation is professional suicide. This is a rock on which 
many have been shipwrecked in all the learned professions. The laws 
of nature demand a constant supply of food in the intellectual as well 
as in the physical economy. The man requires more and stronger food 
than the child. The corroding rust of forgetfulness will mar the most 
brilliant acquirements of science if laid upon the shelf of neglect. 
Much study is required to keep up with the march of mind and the 
ever varying changes produced by the soaring intellect and reaching 
31 



242 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

genius of man. It has been said that the basis of law is as unchangea- 
ble as a rock of adamant. Of elementary law this is true. It does not 
follow, a priori, that the superstructure is so. Precocious legislators 
have made that a labyrinthian maze. They use a political kaleidoscope 
in legislating and that not skilfully. It puzzles competent judges to 
arrive at a satisfactory construction of statute laws. The incompetent 
-not few and far between-use the instrument above named carelessly 
if not politically. Hence no lawyer can succeed without an endless 
round of reading. 

In 1762 Mr. McKean was elected to the Delaware Assembly from 
Newcastle county and continued in that body for eleven consecutive 
years. He then removed to Philadelphia. So much attached were 
the Delawarians to him that they continued to elect him to their As- 
sembly for six years after his removal although he could not serve 
them in that. Under the old regimen, he was claimed by both Delaware 
and Pensylvania and served them conjointly in the Continental Con- 
gress. 

In 176.5 he was a member from Delaware to the Congress in New 
York. He was upon the committee that drafted the memorable ad- 
dress to the House of Commons. His patriotism, love of liberty and 
firmness of purpose were fully demonstrated in that instrument and by 
his subsequent acts. He was republican to the core-despised the 
chains of political slavery-the baubles of monarchy and the trappings 
of kingly courts. He struck high for Liberty and scorned to be a 
slave. 

On his return from New York he was appointed Judge of the Com- 
mon Pleas, Quarter Sessions and Orphans' Court of Newcastle county. 
The Stamp Act was then in full life but not in full force in Delaware. 
Judge McKean was the first judicial officer who put a veto on stamped 
paper-directing the officers of the courts over which he presided not to 
use it, as had been ordered by the hirelings of the crown. He set them 
at defiance and was sustained by the people of the nation. That cir- 
cumstance, trifling as it may now seem to superficial readers, was big 
with consequences. It was one of the entering wedges to the Revolu- 
tion that made an awful opening in the monarchical mass that was ulti- 
mately split into atoms and annihilated by the wedges and malls of the 
hard-fisted sons of America. From that time Judge McKean was 
hailed as one of the boldest champions of Freedom-one of the able?* 
defenders of his country's Rights. 

He was a prominent member of the Congress of 1774. He had 
talent to design-energy to execute and at once made himself useful. 



\ 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 243 

He was the only man who served in the Continental Congress during 
the whole time of its duration. He was a strong advocate for the De- 
claration of Independence and promptly put his name to that revered 
instrument. When it came up for final action, so anxious was he that 
it should pass unanimously-ihat he sent an express for Mr. Rodney 
who arrived just in time to give an affirmative vote. 

Notwithstanding the arduous duties that devolved on him as a mem- 
ber of Congress-of several important committees and Chief Justice of 
Pennsylvania-so ardent was his patriotism that he accepted a colonel's 
commission-took command of a Philadelphia regiment and marched to 
the aid of Gen. Washington, remaining with him until a new supply of 
recruits was raised. During his absence his Delaware constituents 
had elected him to a convention to form a constitution. On his return 
he proceeded to Newcastle, put up at a tavern and without consulting 
men or books, hastily penned the constitution that was adopted by the 
convention. Understanding the feelings and wants of the people-well 
versed in law and republicanism-a ready writer, he performed the 
labor in a few hours that has required a large number of men nearly 
a year to accomplish in more modern times. How changed are men 
and things since the glorious era of '76. How changed the motives 
that impel many politicians to action-how different the amount of useful 
labor performed in the same time and for the same money. Then all 
were anxious to listen-now nearly all are anxious to speak. Then legis- 
lators loved their country more and the loaves and fishes less than at 
the present day. I do not blame the politicians-it is their trade and 
living. Office seeking has become a card game in which the applicants 
are the pack-demagogues the players and the dear people and govern- 
ment the table played upon. The bone and sinew of our country can 
and should block this ruinous game at once. We have as good men 
as lived in '76 and a few of them on duty. There should be no others 
selected. They will not seek office but we should be careful to seek 
them and cleanse the temple of our Liberty from political peculation 
and venality. If our country is ruined it will be the fault of the mass. 

On the 10th of July 1781, Judge McKean was elected President of 
Congress but declined serving in consequence of his duties as Chief Jus- 
tice of Pennsylvania. He was then urged to occupy the chair until the 
court should commence the next term. To this he assented and made 
an able presiding officer. On the 7th of November he vacated the chair 
and was complimented by the following resolution :-" Resolved-Tha.t the 
thanks of Congress be given to the Honorable Thomas McKean, late 
President of Congress in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in 



244 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the chair and in the execution of public business." His duties upon the 
Bench of the Supreme Court commenced in 1777 and were extremely 
onerous. He did not recognize the power of the crown and held himself 
amenable only to his country and his God. An able jurist-an unbending 
patriot-at the hazard of his life he punished all who were brought before 
him and convicted of violating the laws of the new government. No 
threats could intimidate-no influence reach him when designed to divert 
him from the independent discharge of his duty. His profound legal 
acquirements-ardent zeal-equal justice-vigorous energy and noble 
patriotism-enabled him to outride every storm and calm the raging 
billows that often threatened to overwhelm him. He marched on 
triumphantly to the goal of Liberty and hailed the star spangled banner 
as it waived in grandeur from the lofty spire of the temple of Freedom. 
He beheld, with the eye of a sage, philosopher and philanthropist, the 
rising glory of Columbia's new world. He viewed, with emotions of 
pleasing confidence, the American eagle descend from the ethereal 
regions beyond the altitude of a tyrant's breath and pounce upon the 
British lion. With increasing vigor and redoubled fury the mighty bird 
continued the awful conflict until the king of beasts retreated to his lair 
and proclaimed, in a roar of thunder-AMERICA IS FREE ! Angels 
rejoiced-monarchs trembled-patriots shouted a loud-AMEN ! ! ! The 
torch of England's power over the Colonies expired in its socket-the 
birth of a new nation was celebrated by happy millions basking beneath 
the genial rays of the refulgent glories of the sun of Liberty. The harvest 
was past-the summer ended-our country saved. The stupendous work 
of political regeneration was accomplished-the Independence of the 
United States acknowledged-an honorable peace consumated. Judge 
McKean then sat down under his own fig tree to enjoy the full fruition 
of the comforts resulting from his faithful labors in the cause of equal 
rights. 

He continued to discharge the important duties of Chief Justice up to 
1799 illuminating his judicial path with profound learning, sound discre- 
tion and impartial decisions. His Supreme Court opinions, based, as 
they generally are-upon equal justice, correct law and strict equity- 
delivered when the form of government was changed, the laws unsettled, 
the state constitution just formed, the Federal Government under its Con- 
stitution bursting from embryo-are monuments of legal fame enduring aa 
social order-revered, respected-canonized. 

He was a member of the convention that formed the constitution of 
Pennsylvania adopted in 1790 and exercised a salutary influence in thai 
body. In 1799 he was elected Govornor of the Keystone state and con- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 245 

tributed largely in adding new strength and beauty to the arch of our 
Union. For nine successive years he directed the destinies of the land 
of Penn-commencing at a period when the mountain waves of party 
spirit were rolling fearfully over the United States with a fury before 
not dreamed of. Amidst the foaming and conflicting elements, Governor 
JVIcKean stood at the helm of his commonwealth calm as a summer 
morning-firm as a granite rock and guided his noble ship through the 
whirling storm-unscathed and unharmed. He proved himself a safe 
and skilful pilot. 

For elegance and force of language-correct and liberal views of 
pulicy-a luminous exposition of law and the principles of government- 
his annual messages to the legislature stand unrivalled. The clamors 
of his political enemies he passed by as the idle wind. The suggestions 
of his friends he scanned with the most rigid scrutiny. Neither flat- 
tery or censure could drive him from the strong citadel of his own 
matured judgment. 

The fawning sycophant-the designing demagogue he spurned with 
contempt. By honest means only he desired the advancement of the 
party that had elevated him to a post of honor. Open and avowed prin- 
ciples-fully proclaimed and strictly carried out were frankly and without 
prevarication or disguise submitted to the people by him. He was a 
politician of the old school when each party had plain and distinctive 
landmarks, significant names and fixed principles. Political chemists had 
not then opened shop and introduced the modern mode of amalgamation- 
producing a heterogeneous mass that defies the power of analysis, analy- 
zation or scientific arrangement. No one of the yclepped classes is 
homogeneous- 
Governor McKean respected those who honestly differed from him in 
politics and had among them many valued friends. He was free from 
that narrow minded policy based upon gelf, which is too prominent at the 
present day among those who assume the high responsibility of becoming 
the arbiters of the minds of their fellow men. His views were expanding 
liberal-broad-charitable. He aimed at distributing equal justice to 
all-the rich and poor, the public officer and private citizen. He preferred 
future good to present aggrandizement. To lay the deep foundations of 
increasing and lasting prosperity in his own state and through our nation 
was the object of this pure patriot, enlightened statesman and able 
jurist. The vast resources of our country, her wide spread territory, 
majestic rivers, silvery lakes, mineral wealth, rich valleys, majestic moun- 
tains, rolling uplands, beautiful prairies, extensive sea board, enterprising 
sons and her virtuous daughters-were all arrayed before his grasping 



246 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

mind and passed in grand review. He was firmly convinced that our 
people have only to be wise and good to be great and happy. With 
this end in view he embraced every opportunity in public and private 
life to inculcate those great principles of moral rectitude, inflexible virtue, 
purity of motive and nobleness of action-that alone can preserve a 
nation. He cast a withering frown upon vice in all its deluding forms. 
He exerted his strongest powers to arrest the career of crime. He was 
a terror to evil doers and inspired confidence in those who did well. 

In 1808 he retired from public life. He had devoted forty-six years 
to the faithful service of his country and had earned an imperishable 
fame. He stood approved at the bar of his country-his conscience 
and his God. He had acted well his part and contributed largely in 
raising our country to a proud elevation among the nations of the 
earth. He outlived all the animosities that a faithful discharge of duty 
too often creates. On the 24th of June 1817 he resigned his immortal 
spirit to Him who gave it and fell asleep in the arms of death as peace- 
fully as a babe slumbers. He died at Philadelphia. 

The private character of Judge McKean was unsullied as the virgin 
sheet. His person was tall and erect-his countenance intelligent, bold 
and commanding-his manners urbane, gentlemanly and affable-his feel- 
ings noble, generous and humane-his actions open, frank and republi- 
can. He was a refined philanthropist, a sterling patriot, an acute phi- 
losopher, an enlightened statesman, a profound lawyer, an impartial 
judge, an able magistrate and a truly good man. Legislators, states- 
men, magistrates and judges-imitate the bright examples of this friend 
to his country-then our Republic is secure-our UNION safe. 



FRANCIS MARION. 

The patriots of '76 proved the purity of their motives in the pursuit 
of emancipation more by acts than words. They were a united band 
of brothers who aimed at the general good of their whole country- 
pledged to make her free or perish in the effort. No local interests-no 
sectional jealousies-no fire-brands of discord could ihen disorganize the 
phalanx of sages and heroes who struck for liberty. Under the 
guidance of Heaven they were crowned with victory. They purchased 
FREEDOM with torrcuts of blood and millions of treasure. That sacred 
boon they transmitted to us in pristine purity. Do we all fully appre- 
ciate this priceless legacy ? Far from it. For years it has been the 
foot-ball of reckless demagogues-the neglected nursling of our people. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 247 

Many talk loud and long of their patriotism-sing the paeans of our 
FREEDOM-laud the dear sovereign people to the skies-whose acts too 
plainly show that they look upon our UNION as a mere rope of sand 
and not as an invaluable treasure to be preserved at all hazards. They 
look upon the people as a mass of hood-winked worshippers at the shrine 
of party spirit-not as those who can, should and must banish them from 
our councils or be plunged into the vortex of fearful destruction. 
People of America ! open your eyes to our true position ! Look at the 
mighty struggles, the herculean labors, the gigantic eflbrts of the few 
pure patriots in our national council who have nobly warded off the 
lightning thunderbolts of the disorganizers. See the upheaving throes 
of the volcano that is rocking us in the consuming cradle of civil dis- 
cord ! Ponder well the danger of concentrating men in Congress whose 
boiling passions cannot be restrained by the safety-valve of reason- 
men who do not prize our UNION above all other considerations- 
whose burning zeal for local measures-party success and self interest 
would be their ruling passion amidst the smoking ruins of the temple 
of our LIBERTY. Pcoplc of America ! it is for you to perpetuate this 
expanding Republic. You can and should preserve it. Banish all 
questions that can place it in jeopardy-permit all agitators to remain 
at home-let the people of each state strictly observe the eleventh com- 
mandment-then we may fondly hope that our course may be onward 
and upward for centuries to come. 

Among those who acted a noble part in the American Revolution 
and exemplified patriotism by his acts-was Francis Marion who was 
born in 1733 near Georgetown in South Carolina. His early inclina- 
tion led him to embark on board a vessel bound for the West Indies at 
the age of sixteen. During the voyage the vessel was upset in a gale 
and nothing saved but the boat in which the crew and a dog took re- 
fuge. They had no provisions but the raw flesh of Carlo and wereuDut 
a week during which time several of them died. The sufferings and 
perils then endured cured Marion of his partiality for Neptune. As 
soon as possible he planted himself on terra firma and devoted his time 
to agriculture until 1759 when he received the commission of a lieu- 
tenant under Capt. Moultrie who was engaged in the expedition against 
the Cherokee Indians conducted by Gov. Lyttleton. Two years sub- 
sequent Marion was raised to the post of captain and served under Col. 
Grant in a second attempt to chastise the Cherokees. At the com- 
mencement of the Revolution of Independence he was on hand and 
ready for action. He was soon raised to the rank of major and served 
under Col. Moultrie in uis gallant defence of the fort named in honor 



248 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of that officer. He was then promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel 
and commanded a regiment at the siege of Charleston. In the early- 
part of the siege one of his legs was fractured which saved him a jour- 
ney to the Spanish Castle in Florida where all the unwounded prisoners 
were sent. 

On his recovery he proceeded to North Carolina and was commis- 
sioned a Brigadier General of the militia and became one of the 
severest scourges the enemy had to encounter. He was enthusiastic 
in the cause of freedom and imparted this enthusiasm to all who ral- 
lied under him. He was remarkably shrewd, bold, energetic and 
persevering. With a small chosen band around him he retired to the 
intricate retreats in the low grounds of the Pedee and Black rivers, 
from which he would suddenly erherge and strike a sanguinary blow 
into the ranks of the enemy at an unexpected moment and retreat so 
quickly that they knew not from what direction he came or where to 
follow him. Even his friends were often ignorant of his location for 
days. He became a terror to the British army and led detached par- 
ties into many a quagmire where they frequently surrendered at dis- 
cretion-knowing him to be as humane and generous as he was brave 
and wary. Col. Horry relates the following pleasing incident of Ma- 
rion. 

" About this time we received a flag from the enemy in Georgetown 
S. C. the object of which was to make arrangements about the ex- 
change of prisoners. The flag, after the usual ceremony of blindfold- 
ing, was conducted into Marion's encampment. Having heard great 
talk about Gen. Marion, his fancy had naturally enough sketched out 
for him some stout figure of a warrior, such as O'Hara or Cornwallis 
himself, of martial aspect and flaming regimentals. But what was his 
surprise when led into Marion's presence and the bandage taken from 
his eyes, he beheld in our hero, a swarthy, smoke-dried little man with 
scarcely enough of thread-bare homespun to cover his nakedness and 
instead of tall ranks of gay dressed soldiers, a handful of sun burnt, 
yellow legged militia-men-some roasting potatoes and some asleep, 
with their black firelocks and powder horns lying by them on the logs. 
Having recovered a little from his surprise, he presented his letter to 
Gen. Marion, who perused it and settled everything to his satisfaction. 

" The officer took up his hat to retire. ' Oh no'-said Marion-' it is 
now about our time of dining and I hope, sir, you will give us the 
pleasure of your company at dinner.' 

" At the mention of the word dinner, the British officer looked 
around him, but to his great mortification, could see no sign of a pot, 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 249 

pan, Dutch oven, or any other cooking utensil that could raise the 
spirits of a hungry man. 

" ' Well Tom'-said the General to one of his men-' come give us 
our dinner.' The dinner he alluded to was no other than a heap of 
sweet potatoes that were snugly roasting under the embers and which 
Tom, with his pine stick poker soon liberated from their ashy confine- 
ment-pinching them every now and then with his fingers, especially 
the big ones, to see whether they were well done or not. Then, having 
cleansed themof the ashes, partly by blowing them with his breath and 
partly by brushing them with the sleeve of his old cotton shirt, he 
piled some of the best on a large piece of bark and placed them be- 
tween the British officer and Marion on the trunk of the fallen pine 
on which they sat." 

" ' I fear sir^-said the General-' our dinner will not prove as palata- 
ble to you as I could wish-but it is the best we have.' 

" The officer, who was a well bred man, took up one of the potatoes 
and affected to feed, as if he had found a great dainty-but it was very 
plain he ate more from good manners than good appetite. Presently 
he broke out into a hearty laugh. Marion looked surprised. ' I beg 
pardon General'-said he-' but one cannot, you know, always com- 
mand one's conceits. I was thinking how drolly some of my brother 
officers would look if our government were to give them such a bill 
of fare as this.' 

" 'I suppose'-replied Marion-' it is not equal to their style of dining.' 

" ' No, indeed'-quoth the officer-' and this I imagine is one of your 
accidental dinners-a sort of han yan. In general, no doubt, you live a 
great deal better.' 

"'Rather worse '-answered the General-' for often we don't get 
enough of this.' 

" ' Heaven !' rejoined the officer-' but probably what you lose in 
meal you make up in maft-though stinted in provisions you draw noble 
■pay.' 

" ' JVot a cenV-Sdad. Marion-' not a cent' 

" ' Heavens and earth ! then you must be in a bad box. I don't 
see. General, how you can stand it?' 

" ' Why, sir-replied Marion with a smile of self approbation-' these 
tiungs depend on feeling.' 

" The Englishman said-' he did not believe it would be an easy 
matter to reconcile his feelings to a soldier's life on Gen. Marion's 
terms-all Jightiyig, no pay and no procisions hut potatoes.^ 

" ' Why sir'-answercd the General-' the heart is all and when tha* 
33 



250 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

is much interested a man can do anything. Many a youth would 
think it hard to indent himself a slave for fourteen years. But let him 
be over head and ears in love and with such a beauteous sweetheart 
as Rachel and he will think no more of fourteen years servitude 
than young Jacob did. Well now this is exactly my case. 1 am hi 
love and my sweetheart is liberty. Be that heavenly nymph my 
champion and these woods shall have charms beyond London and 
Paris in slavery. To have no proud monarch driving over me with 
his gilt coaches-nor his host of excisemen and tax gatherers insulting 
and robbing-gloriously preserving my national dignity and pursuing 
my true happiness-planting my vineyards and eating their luscious 
fruit-sowing my fields and reaping the golden grain and seeing mil- 
lions of brothers all around me equally free and happy as myself. This, 
sir, is what I long for.' 

" The officer replied ' that both as a man and a Briton he must cer- 
tainly subscribe to this as a happy state of things.' 

" ' Happy'-quoth Marion-' yes, happy indeed. I would rather fight 
lor such blessings for my country and feed on roots, than keep aloof 
though wallowing in all the luxuries of Solomon. For now, sir, I 
walk the soil that gave me birth and exult in the thought that I am 
not unworthy of it. I look upon these venerable trees around me 
and feel that I do not dishonor them. I think of my own sacred 
rights and rejoice that I have not basely deserted them. And when I 
look forward to the long-long ages of posterity, I glory in the tliought 
that I am fighting their battles. The children of distant generations 
may never hear my name but still it gladdens my heart to think that 
I am now contending for their freedom with all its countless blessings.' 

" I looked at Marion as he uttered these sentiments and fancied I 
felt as when I heard the last words of the brave De Kalb. The Eng- 
lishman hung his honest head and looked, I thought, as if he had seen 
the upbraiding ghosts of his illustrious countrymen-Sidney and Ham- 
den. On his return to Georgetown he was asked by Col. Watson 
why he looked so serious ? 

" 'I have cause, sir, to look serious.' 

" 'What! has Gen. Marion refused to treat]' 

" ' No, sir.' 

" ' Well then, has old Washington defeated Sir Henry Clinton and 
broke up our army?' 

" ' No sir, not that neither-but worse.' 

"'Ah! what can be worse?' 

'"Why sir, I have seen an American General and his officers without 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 251 

pay and almost ivithout clothes, living on roots and drinking vatcr-aW for 
Liberty ! What chance have we against such men?' 

It is said Col. Watson v^^as not much obliged to him for his speech. 
But the young officer was so struck with Marion's sentiments that he 
never rested until he threw up his commission and retired from the 
service." 

It would be well if more of our own countrymen were as deeply 
impressed with the sentiments of Marion as was that honest Briton. It 
■would be a new and glorious era in the later history of our Republic 
if the unadulterated patriotism of Marion could be revived in the bosoms 
of the increasing millions of our land. Then our national council would 
not be disgraced by wrangling, pugnacious, reckless demagogues. They 
would be left to blow off their explosive gas in retirement instead of 
exerting their thunder for nearly a year at a time at the capitol at an 
enormous expense and with less sense and benefit than boys exhibit 
with fire crackers in the streets. 

Gen. Marion continued in active service until that Liberty was won 
with which he was so deeply in love. He then retired to private life, 
had the good sense to marry an amiable lady and continued to enjoy the 
fruits of iiis toils in the camp until February 1795 when an arrow from 
the quiver of death pierced the shining mark and consigned his mortal 
remains to the peaceful tomb. In life he was beloved by all who knew 
him—in death he was deeply mourned. His whole course had been 
marked by a stern integrity-an untarnished virtue-a lofty patriotism— 
that ever command sincere respect and merited admiration. He was 
small in stature but large in soul. Strong common sense guided him in 
every action. He rarely said or did what was not absolutely necessary 
and for the best. Few men have lived who were as free from all sur- 
plusage. Let every reader ponder well the useful career of the noble 
Marion and profit by his examples. Then our UNION will be safe. 



ARTHUR MIDDLETON. 

A careful examination of the history of England-of her Magna Charta 
and Constitution-of the rights by them secured and of the gross violation 
of those rights at various periods will show the reader why so many 
men of high attainments and liberal minds came to America. Disgusted 
with oppression at home they sought Liberty abroad. They fled from 
religious and political persecution as from a pestilence. The same 
cause that induced them to leave their native land prompted them to 



« 
252 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

vigorous action when imported tyranny invaJed their well earned 
privileges. The mind of every man and w'oman who came to this asylum 
of the oppressed for the sake of freedom was as well prepared to meet 
the crisis of the Revolution as were our native citizens. The feelings 
created by remembered injuries which drove them from the mother 
country rendered them as formidable opponents to the unjust pretensions 
of the crown as those who had never breathed the atmosphere of Europe. 
In tracing our own history back to the early settlements we find frequent 
struggles between the people and the officers sent by the king to rule 
them-the former claiming their inherent rights-the latter often infringing 
them. The time finally arrived when forbearance was no longer a 
virtue. 

Among those who espoused the cause of inalienable rights at an early 
period was Edward Middleton the great grandfather of the younger 
Arthur. He came from England to S. C. near tl^ close of the 17th 
century. He left a son Arthur who imbibed the liberal views of his 
father. In 1719 he headed an opposition that boldly demanded and 
obtained the removal of the insolent crown officers then in power. He 
left a son Henry, one of the same sort who was the father of the subject 
of this sketch and took an active part at the commencement of the 
Revolution by rousing his fellow citizens to action. 

His son Arthur was born at Middleton place on the bank of Ashley 
rivers S. C. in 1743. His mother was the daughter of Mr. Williams a 
wealthy planter and was faithful to her children. She lived until 1814, 
esteemed in life-lamented in death. Arthur was the eldest child and 
received the best advantages of an early education. At the age of twelve 
years he was placed in the celebrated seminary at Hackney near London 
' and two years after entered the classic school of Westminster. His 
industry was unremitting-his conduct unexceptionable. At eighteen he 
became a student in the University of Cambridge and at the age of 
twenty-two graduated. He was a profound scholar and untarnished in 
his morals. Trivial amusements and dissipation had no charms for him. 
Although liberally supplied with money economy was a governing prin- 
ciple, wisdom his constant guide. Students of our country will do well 
to imitate his example. After the completion of his education he made 
the tour of Europe. Familiar with the Greek and Roman classics he 
enjoyed great pleasure in visiting the ancient seats of learning. He was 
well versed in all the technicalities of sculpture and architecture and had 
an exquisite taste for poetry, music and painting. He took notes of all 
he saw-improved by all he learned. 

After travelling for two years he returned to his native home and 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 253 

bosom of his family and friends. His education completed he took the 
next wise step of a young man about to enter upon business and mar- 
ried a worthy daughter of WaUer Izard. The next year the happy 
pair visited their relatives in England-spent some time in France and 
Spain-returned in 1773 and took possession of the old paternal man- 
sion which his father had conveyed to him placing him in affluent cir- 
cumstances. 

Possessed of an observing mind his knowledge of English policy and 
of the principles of monarchy was of a superior order. The effects of 
this policy and of these principles were painfully visible throughout the 
American Colonies. Rocked in the cradle of patriotism by his father- 
tracing its fair lines in the history of his genealogy-LiBERxy was to 
him an heir-loom. Everything around him prompted his onward 
course towards the goal of freedom. He boldly espoused the cause 
of the people which^is uniformly the cause of right. The Middletons 
were the nucleus of the opposition to tyranny in South Carolina. 
Their influence reached over the entire province. Although wealthy, 
aristocracy found no resting place with them. They were Republi- 
cans of the first water. They freely and promptly pledged life, fortune 
and honor in behalf of rational liberty. 

Arthur Middleton was upon the various committees of the people to 
devise means of safety. He was one of the committee of five that de- 
cided a recourse to arms and led the people into the royal magazine 
who removed tiie deposits in defiance of the threats and growls of the 
British lion. This occurred on the 17th April 1775. On the 14th of 
June following the provincial Congress appointed a Committee of 
Safety composed of thirteen of which Arthur Middleton w^as one. 
This committee was fully authorized to organize a military force and 
adopt such measures as might seem most expedient to arrest the mad 
career of the royalists. 

During the session of the first provincial Congress of South Carolina 
Lord William Campbell, the new governor, arrived fresh from the 
British office mint. He was to reduce the rebels at one bold stroke. 
At first he was all mildness and did not pretend to justify the oppres- 
sions of which the people complained. To prove the insincerity of 
which Mr. Middleton believed him guilty, Adam McDonald, a member 
of Council, was introduced to him as a Tory from the upper country 
who seemed anxious to have the rebels put down. The governor re- 
quested him to keep quiet a short time as troops would soon arrive to 
put a quietus upon the newfangled authorities. When this report was 
made known to the Council Mr. Middleton moved to have the gover- 



254 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

nor arrested although nearly related to him by marriage. His col- 
leagues were too timid then for such a measure, but so rapidly did 
their courage increase that his excellency soon retired on board a 
sloop of war to avoid the popular fury. In a few days Sir Henry 
Clinton and Sir Peter Parker arrived with an armed fleet and troops 
to enforce the authority of Lord Campbell and teach peace to the 
rebels. An immediate attack was made on Fort Moultrie which was 
a perfect failure. The governor was wounded and Sir Peter had the 
nether part of his silk unmentionables badly mutilated by an unpolished 
rebel cannon ball. 

On the 11th February 1776 Mr. Middleton was one of the committee 
that drafted the first constitution of his native State. Soon after he 
was elected to the Continental Congress and became a conspicuous 
member. He boldly advocated and by his signature sanctioned the 
adoption of the Declaration of Independence. He used but few words 
in debate briefly presenting the strong points of the subject under dis- 
cussion. He was always heard with attention and had great influence. 
He stood at the head of the delegation of his State. He exemplified 
strong common sense-attending to the business of his constituents and 
the good of his country. He was an intimate friend of John Hancock 
who held him in high estimation. 

In 1778 he was elected governor of his native State without his 
knowledge, advice or consent. The mode of election was by the 
legislature and secret ballot. Caucuses, insulated with intrigue and 
corruption, were then unknown. Love of Liberty and country, exem- 
plified by the acts of freemen, were all the "pledges" required. He 
declined accepting the office for the reason that a constitution was be- 
fore the legislature not as republican as he desired and if adopted re- 
quired the assent of the executive. Believing it would be sanctioned 
and could be amended at some future time he preferred not placing 
himself in the way. Rawlin Lowndes was then elected who approved 
of the constitution on the 19th March 1778. 

Political honesty was a marked trait in the character of Arthur Mid- 
dleton. No inducements could turn him from the path of rectitude and 
duty. He weighed measures, men and things in the unerring scales 
of justice. He went with no man unless he believed him clearly right. 
He was sound at the core. His mind was pure and free as mountain 
air-his purposes noble, bold and patriotic. In 1779, when the British 
troops were devastating S. Carolina, he took the field with Gov. Rut- 
ledge and cheerfully endured the privations of the camp. At the attack 
upon Charleston by Gen. Provost, he manifested great coolness and 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 255 

courage. His family was driven away by the destroying enemy and 
his property plundered. Several valuable paintings were mutilated in 
the most shameful manner. At the surrender of Charleston in 1780, 
he was among the prisoners sent to the Spanish Castle at St. Augus- 
tine, Florida and manfully endured the cowardly indignities there im- 
posed upon the Americans. In July 1781 a general exchange of pri- 
soners took place when he returned to Philadelphia. He was again 
elected to Congress and resumed the important duties of legislation. 
Soon after this the last important act of the revolutionary'tragedy was 
closed at Yorktown, where the Heroes of the revolutionary stage 
took a closing benefit at the expense of British pride and kingly ambi- 
tion. With the surrender of Lord Cornwallis the last hope of the 
crown in America expired in all the agonies of mortification. 

In 1782 Mr. Middleton was again returned to Congress where he 
continued until November when he returned to his long neglected 
home. He declined remaining in Congress that he might serve his 
own state. He did much towards restoring order, harmony and sta- 
bility in the new^ government of South Carolina. He was several times 
a member of her legislature and used his best efforts to advance her 
prosperity. At intervals he improved his desolated plantation and 
looked forward to years of domestic felicity. But alas ! how uncertain 
are all sublunary things. In the autumn of 1786 he was attacked with 
the intermittent fever which terminated in serious disease and caused 
his death on the first day of January 1787, leaving a wife, tw^o sons 
and six daughters to mourn their irreparable loss. He w^as deeply la- 
mented by the nation at large. He was held in great veneration by 
every friend of freedom in the country. He had only to be known to 
be loved and admired. He was a consolation to his friends, a shining 
.ight in the cause of freedom, an ornament to society, a good and 
honest man. The examples of such a man are living epistles, worthy 
to be known and read by all who desire the happiness of our beloved 
country and the perpetuity of our glorious UNION. 



LEWIS MOEKIS. 

A MILITARY despotism is a national curse, a blighting sirocco, a foe 
to liberty. Laws that require the bayonet to enforce them for an ex- 
tended length of time are bad or the people for whom they are made 
are unworthy of freedom. Moments of excitement do occur in the best 
organized communities arising from a sudden local impulse that require 



256 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

a show of military power and even its force-but in a little tinme reason 
resumes her sway, the spirit of mobocracy subsides, the soldier again 
pecomes the peaceful citizen and rests for security upon the strong 
arm of civil power. 

Quartering the military upon the citizens of a community is full of 
danger. After having enjoyed the bounty and hospitality of the inhab- 
itants let that military be directed to enforce laws that are obnoxious 
to the people-an indignation is roused that is increased tenfold from 
the circumstance of previous familiarity. The citizen conceives he has 
bestowed a special favor upon the soldier. He looks upon the attempt 
to force unjust laws upon him as base ingratitude-the blackest crime 
out of pandemonium. Favors forgotten and ingratitude displayed add 
desperation to revenge. Previous to the American Revolution the 
military were quartered upon or drew their support directly from the 
people. The Colonies had contributed largely in money and blood to 
aid the mother country in conquering her most inveterate foe in Ame- 
rica-the French in Canada. No return was asked but the quiet enjoy- 
ment of chartered privileges guarantied by the constitution. This was 
denied them. Petitions were treated with contumely-remonstrances 
were laughed to scorn. Then it was that a band of Sages and Heroes 
rose in all the majesty of man's native dignity and vindicated their ina- 
lienable rights. 

Among the boldest of the bold was Lewis Morris, born at Morrisa- 
nia in the vicinity of the city of New York in 1726. The preserved 
documents of this family trace their genealogy back to Rhice Fitzge- 
rald. Rhys or Rhice Fitzgerald was a Cambrian chieftain who carried 
his military operations and conquests into Ireland during the reign of 
Henry II. By his valor and success he obtained the name of Maur 
[great] Rhice and the penultimate Fitzgerald being dropped gives us 
the name in plain English-Morris. In tracing genealogy we find names 
more changed than this. Genealogy and the origin of names is an 
amusing study-if you have leisure try it. 

Lewis was the son of Judge Morris of the same Christian name who 
retained possession of the paternal estate formerly purchased by his 
grandfather, Richard Morris, who was a leader under Cromwell and 
came from Barbadoes in 1663 and purchased a tract of land near Har- 
laemonYork Island. He left an only son, Lewis, who was Chief Jus- 
tice of New York and subsequently governor of New Jersey. 

After his preparatory studies Lewis entered Yale College at the age 
of sixteen. From the President, Dr. Clap, he imbibed a relish for 
moral and religious principles and became a good scholar. In 1746 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 257 

he graduated-returned to his estate and became extensively engaged in 
agriculture. At that period the Colonies were free, prosperous and 
happy. The mother country had not discovered the philosopher's 
stone of taxing her distant children to support royalty. They were 
left to pursue their own course-enjoy the fruit of their labors and 
repose in peace. In this delightful retirement Mr. Morris continued 
to improve his farm and mind. By his suavity of manners, moral 
rectitude and honorable course he gained the confidence and esieem 
of all who made his acquaintance. He was the nucleus to a circle of 
friends of the highest attainments and respectability. He became a 
great favorite among the people and did all in his power to improve 
their condition and promote general good. He was a philanthropist 
and patriot. 

The time rolled on rapidly when colonial repose was to be plucked 
up from the roots and perish under the burning heat of British oppres- 
sion. The treasury of England had been drained by extravagance 
and war-her national debt had become frightfully large. The story 
of prosperity and wealth in America had been told to Mr. Grenville 
by an evil person in an evil hour. The plan of imperious taxation 
was devised. The Stamp Act was passed as a feeler. The descend- 
ants of the pilgrim fathers thought its feeling rather rough and re- 
coiled from the touch with amazement. They loved their king but 
they loved their chartered privileges and country more. Legal reme- 
dies were resorted to. A Congress was convened at New York and 
several Colonies ably represented. Powerful addresses to the throne 
and people of Great Brhain were prepared breathing the purest alle- 
giance conditioned on the restoration of constitutional rights. The 
Stamp Act was repealed only to give place to a more voracious and 
obnoxious budget of Acts. The ministry bent all their force to accom- 
plish their impoUtic designs. They did more to prepare the people of 
America for Independence than the combined energies of the Sages 
could have eifected without their co-operation. In devising a great 
evil they consummated a great good. 

Mr. Morris took a deep interest in passing events-at first only as an 
adviser. Although Massachusetts took the lead in resisting oppres- 
sion New York was not tardy in coming to the rescue. In 1767 an 
Act was passed by Parliament compelling the people of that Province 
to furnish the British soldiers that were quartered among them with 
provisions. By this order the burden fell upon certain portions of the 
inhabitants exclusively and not -pro rata upon the whole. It was a 
direct invasion of personal rights and was most severely felt by the 
23 



258 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

citizens of the city of New York and its vicinity. Tiiis measure 
brouglit Mr. Morris out. He publicly proclaimed it unconstitutional 
and tyrannical and contributed largely towards influencing the legisla- 
ture to place a veto upon it. Might triumphed over right and enforced 
the contribution from the citizens. Spirits like that of Lewis Morris 
were not to be subdued. An unquenchable fire was only smothered 
to gather volcanic force under the brittle crust that covered it. 
It was constantly increased by supplies of fuel from Mr. Grenville 
and his more subtle successor Lord North, The statute of Henry 
VHL was revived which doomed the disobedient to be sent to England 
for trial. Its eldest daughter-the Boston Port Bill was ushered into 
life and other screws of the rack tightened. The last petitions and 
remonstrances in the magazine of patience were finally exhausted. It 
was speedily replenished with materials more weighty than paper. 
Mr. Morris had become a prominent leader, a bold and substantial 
whig, rather too highly charged for the conciliatory Congress of 1774. 
The time came on apace when the people required just such a man 
and in April 1775 elected him to the Continental Congress. Even 
then most people attributed their sufferings to the venal ministry and 
hoped the king would cease to be an automaton and prove himself a 
man worthy of the high station he occupied. But hopes were vain- 
the olive branch withered beneath the scorching rays of corrupted 
power. The virtues of steel, powder and lead were Ihen to be tried. 
Already had the purple current of Americans saturated the streets of 
Boston and heights of Lexington. Already had the groans of dying 
citizens, slain by the hands of those whom they had fed-pierced the 
ears of thousands. Already were widows weeping for husbands wel- 
tering in blood and orphans for fathers covered with gore. If imagi- 
nation sickens-if language fails, if history is impotent in conveying 
but a faint idea of the consuming anguish, the bitter grief, the palsying 
terrors, the boiling revenge, the deep resolves of those dark hours- 
how heart breaking-how overwhelming must have been the dreadful 
reality to living witnesses. 

Soon after he took his seat in Congress Mr, Morris was placed upon 
a committee of which the illustrious Washington was chairman to 
devise measures to obtain the munitions of war. This was a deside- 
ratum rather problematical. Comparatively a sling and a few smooth 
stones were all the patriots had with which to combat the British Go- 
liah. But the battle of Bunker Hill convinced all parties that rusty 
guns in hands with nerves of steel guided by hearts of oak could do 
good service and that men resolved on liberty or death were not to he 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 259 

tamely yoked without a desperate effort to be free. Mr. Morris became 
an active member and advocated strong measures. The year previous 
he was considered rash-the time had arrived when all saw the neces- 
sity of pursuing the course he had marked out. He became early 
convinced that an honorable arrangement could not be had under Great 
Britain-nothing but a triumph over her would restore the equilibrium 
of justice. He was one of a committee to visit the Indian tribes to 
persuade them not to enlist under the blood stained banner of England. 
But British gold was stronger than the most eloqilent reasoning. To 
the eternal disgrace of those who were then wielding the destinies of 
the mother country, a premium w^s given for scalps not for prisoners. 
So dark, so deep, so damning a blot rests not upon the escutcheon of any 
other nation upon earth. Why ? Because that kingdom had been the 
proclaimed conservator of the peaceful, humane religion of the Cross 
for centuries-the crowning glory of which is love. The foul deed 
was committed in the full blaze of Gospel light and boasted civiliza- 
tion. There were noble souls in parliament at that time and millions 
of British subjects who looked upon the horrors of that demoniac 
policy with as much indignity as an American can. Mr. Morris also 
visited the New England States for the purpose of maturing plans to 
raise supplies and commence concentrated vigorous action. 

In 1776 he again took his seat in Congress and was pleased to find 
the general pulse beating in unison with his ovvn-a determination to 
sever the Gordian knot and proclaim an eternal separation from a 
nation that held power only to abuse it. He was on many important 
committees-was all activity in and out of the House. In his native 
neighborhood he had a herculean task in rousing the people to a sense 
of their true position. Gov. Tryon mingled the poison with the wisdom 
of the serpent-affected to be harmless as a dove and exercised a pow- 
erful influence over the people of the city of New York in favor of the 
crown. He pointed them to the certain destruction of the commercial 
interests by a war-the inequality of the two powers-the impossibility 
of Whig success and construed self interest into self preservation. To 
paralyze his influence required great exertion. Mr. Morris and his 
friends put forth their noblest energies in the mighty work. What 
they could not effect, British oppression and the powder and ball of 
Gen. Howe soon accomplished. 

When the Declaration of Independence was proposed Mr. Morri? 
became one of its ardent supporters. At that very time his large 
estate was within the power of the enemy. He well knew that his sig- 
nature to the proposed instrument would be destructive to ail his pro- 



260 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

perty within the reach of British hirehngs. Most faithfully was the 
work executed. Even his extensive woodlands of a thousand acres 
were subjected to axe and fire-his family driven from home and every 
species of devastation resorted to that malice could invent, hatred de- 
sign, revenge execute. But Liberty was dearer to this devoted patriot 
than earth and all its riches. He boldly sanctioned and fearlessly affixed 
his name to the great certificate of our national birth and rejoiced in 
freedom illumined by the conflagration of his own Elysian Morrisania. 
His family and himself sufiiered many privations during the remainder 
of the war. They endured every hardship with heroic fortitude with- 
out regret for the past and with buoyant hope for the bright future. 

In 1777 he resigned his seat in Congress and rendered important ser- 
vices in the legislature of his native State. He also served in the 
tented field and rose to the rank of major-general of militia. He was 
a good disciplinarian and reduced the state troops to an excellent or- 
ganization. In every situation he ably and zealously discharged all 
his duties and did not leave the service of his country until the Ameri- 
can arms were triumphant and the Independence of our nation ac- 
knowledged by Great Britain. Then he retired to his desolated plan- 
tation-converted his sword into a pruning hook-his musket into a 
ploughshare and his farm into a delightful retreat where his friends 
from the city often visited him to enjoy his agreeable society-talk of 
times gone by and rejoice in the consolations of blood-bought Liberty. 
Peacefully and calmly he glided down the stream of time until Janu- 
ary 1798 when his immortal spirit left its frail bark and launched upon 
the ocean of eternity in a more substantial vessel. He died serene and 
happy surrounded by an affectionate family and kind friends. His re- 
mains were deposited in the family vault upon his farm under the honors 
of an epic and civic procession. 

The private virtues and public services of Mr. Morris rendered him 
dear to all who knew him. His appearance was in every way com- 
manding. A noble and graceful figure, a fine and intelligent face, an 
amiable and agreeable disposition, a warm and ardent temperament, a 
benevolent and generous heart, an independent and patriotic soul- 
crowned with intelligence, refinement and goodness-he was in all re-, 
spects worthy to be admired and beloved. His examples illustrate the 
])atriotism that impelled to action during the Revolution. He had 
everything that could be destroyed to lose if successful-if not-death 
was his probable doom. Previous to the war he was a favorite of the 
king-his brother Staats was a member of Parliament and a general 
officer under the crown. But few made as great personal sacrifices 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 261 

and no one made them more cheerfully. Like Marion-he preferred a 
morsel of bread, a meal of roasted potatoes with Liberty-to all the 
trappings of royalty and all the honors that could be conferred by a 
king. So long as this kind of patriotism finds a resting place in the 
bosoms of a respectable majority of Columbia's sons-our UNION is 
safe. Let this be banished by the majority as it is by a fearful mino- 
rity-the fair temple of our Liberty will perish in flames kindled by its 
professed guardians. Freemen of America ! I warn you to preserve, 
in original purity, the freedom purchased with the rich blood of our 
fathers. 



ROBERT MORRIS. 

Self is the Sahara of the human heart where all the noble powers of 
the soul are buried in its scorching sands. We may pour upon it floods 
of human woe and streams of melting kindness without producing the 
least appearance of sympathy or gratitude. The blighting sirocco of 
cold indifference sweeps over this desert mind, increases the powers 
of absorption-annihilates all that is cheering and lovely. The keenest 
miseries of a fellow man cannot move it-the mournful obsequies of his 
death cannot shame it. It is one of the foul blots imprinted on human 
nature by Lucifer and should be hurled back to Pandemonium. It 
dwells only in little minds and pinches them as dandy boots do the feet 
-covering them with excrescences as painful as corns and chilblains. 
He who is a slave to self could calmly look on the " wreck of matter 
and the crash of worlds" if it would add one item to his sordid gains. 

Man was created a social being-benevolent, sympathetic, kind, afl'ec- 
tionate-quick to feel and prompt to alleviate the misfortunes of his fel- 
low man. But for the soul-killing influence of self these noble germs 
of human nature, as originally cast in the mould of creative wisdom, 
would bud and blossom as the rose and crown the human family with 
millennial glory. 

On the pages of history we find many bright spots of self sacrifice 
•and blooming benevolence. Individuals have lived who banished self 
and devoted their lives, fortunes and sacred honors to promote the best 
mterests of the human race-men whose motives, impelHng them to 
action, were chastened by purity, who aimed to promote public good 
and personal happiness. 

In the history of the American Revolution we find a cheering cata- 
logue of such philanthropists whose memories we deliglit to honor. 



262 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

]No one among them did more to accomplish the great end in view 
than Robert Morris. He was born at Liverpool, Lancashire, England 
on the 20th of January 1734. His father was a respectable merchant 
and settled at Oxford on the eastern shore of Maryland in 1746. He 
tnen sent for this son who arrived at Oxford at the age of thirteen. He 
received only a good commercial education. At the age of fifteen he 
lost his father by death. He was then in the counting house of Charles 
Willing one of the most thorough and enterprising merchants of Phila- 
delphia After having served a faithful apprenticeship Mr. Willing set 
him up in business and remained his fast friend and adviser. For 
several years he prospered alone but finding the cares of life pressing 
upon him ne wisely resolved to take a partner to accompany him in his 
pilgrimage through this vale of tears. That partner was the merito- 
rious Mary, daughter of Col. White and sister to the pious and learned 
Bishop White. She possessed every quality that adorns her sex and 
renders connubial felicity complete. What is now more than then 
considered by too many heartless bipeds a sine qua no7i-she brought 
with her— WEALTH. This desideratum is often a blighting substitute for 
genuine affection-too often the corroding mildew of matrimonial happi- 
ness. No man or woman with a good heart, clear head and sound dis- 
cretion-ever married riches instead of the person. It is the quintessence 
of self. 

Not so with Mr. Morris and his partner. Their richest treasure was 
mutual esteem flowing from the pure fountain of their kindred hearts 
anxious to promote the reciprocal happiness of each other and the felicity 
of all around them. Nothing occurred to mar their refined enjoyments 
until the revolutionary storm burst upon the Colonies. 

Mr. Morris was a sterling patriot and did not look upon the commov- 
ing political elements with indifference. He had inhaled the atmosphere 
of inherent freedom-his soul was roused to god-like action-he resolved 
to hold his life and fortune subject to the drafts of Liberty. If self had 
held her withering sway he would have remained a loyal slave. His 
interests were entirely commercial-his wealth was exposed to the destruc- 
tive power of the mother country. He amassed it only to do good. He 
was not fastidious as to the manner it was distributed so that his noble 
aim might be accomplished~the salvation of his country. 

He was a member of the Congress of 1774 and took an unflinching 
stand against British oppression. Extensively and favorably known- 
his influence was of high importance to the friends of justice. Being an 
able financier he was hailed as the most efficient manager of the mone- 
tary department. To provide ways and means he was fully authorized. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 263 

Most nobly did he discharge his duty. Unfortunately no office of 
finance was then created to enable him to control the disbursements. 
The money he continued to provide-often from his private funds. When 
Congress fled before the conquering foe to Baltimore in 1776 Mr. 
Morris remained in Philadelphia some days after his colleagues left, for the 
purpose of raising government funds. In so doing he periled his life, as he 
had placed his name upon the Declaration of Independence-then sneer- 
ingly called the death warrant of the signers by the Tories and their 
coadjutors-the British. During his stay it became necessary for Con- 
gress to raise a specific sum. The treasury was empty. Notice of the 
wants of the army was communicated to him. Shortly after he met a 
member of the Society of Friends whose confidence he had. " What 

news friend Robert ?" " The news is-I am in immediate want of of 

dollars hard money and you are the man to obtain it for me. Your 
security is to be my note of hand and my word of honor." " Robert thou 
shalt have it." The money was promptly forwarded to Washington 
which enabled him to meet the enemy at Trenton with signal success. 

Mr. Morris made no parade or vain show in the performance of his 
duties and often furnished funds through agents under the injunction of 
secrecy who then had the credit of affording relief on their own account. 
When Gen. Greene took command of the troops in S. C. they were 
deplorably destitute of food, clothing and ammunition. To the agreeable 
astonishment of the army and people Mr. Hall of that stale advanced the 
money to purchase supplies and enabled the General to commence 
vigorous operations. After the war had closed the accounts of disburse- 
ments showed that Mr. Hall had acted under Mr. Morris who furnished 
the needful from his private purse and saved the army from dissolution. 
On being made acquainted with the fact at the finance office, General 
Greene was at first displeased with the act but on analyzing it applauded 
the wisdom of this secrecy and said-" If I had known that I might have 
drawn on Robert Morris I should have demanded larger sums and 
effected no more than was accomplished with the means placed in my 
hands." His advances to the Southern army nearly produced his 
pecuniary ruin. 

As a financier his genius was of the most prolific kind. When he 
found every government resource exhausted-lhe credit of the infant Re- 
public paralyzed-the army writhing under the keenest privations-had his 
mind been of ordinary calibre he would have abandoned the ship of state 
amidst the breakers that were dashing over her and reported her to the 
underwriters as wrecked. But he had resolved never to desert her so 
long as a plank remained upon the hull or a beam retained its fastenings 



264 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

upon the keel. His own resources were large and his credit upon a firm 
basis. These were thrown in the breach and warded off the threatened 
destruction. To save himself and his country he proposed the plan of 
establishing the Bank of North America. This was sanctioned by Con- 
gress and a charter granted on the 7th of January 1782. This bank has 
ever stood firm amidst all the pecuniary panics and revolutions that have 
occurred to the present time. 

As astounding as the fact may appear the office of Finance was not 
created until 1781. Up to that time there was no disbursing agent and 
large sums of money were placed in the hands of irresponsible agents 
and never reached their legitimate destination. When established it was 
placed under the control of Mr. Morris who reduced the expenditures 
of military operations three millions in a single year, showing that self 
can convert ostensible patriots into knaves no matter how sacred the 
cause engaged in or how binding the obligation to do justice. Avaunt ! 
thou thing infernal ! Had the office of Finance been established at the 
commencement of hostilities and Mr. Morris made the disbursing aorent, 
the means of prosecuting the war would have been ample-our army 
would have been full and saved from the dreadful privations endured- 
our country would have been saved from a large portion of the devasta- 
tions committed by the enemy-the struggle would probably have been 
terminated in half the time and the government been able ta redeem 
every dollar of its paper issues. With so much concentrated talent and 
wisdom as were in the Continental Congress at all times, the problem of 
this disastrous omission cannot be solved by any approved rules of govern- 
ment or legislation. I have ever looked at it with deep regret and sur- 
prise. 

' Mr. Morris was the Roman Curtius of America, pledging his own 
fortune to save his country and deliver her from worse than Egyptian 
bondage. As a demonstration I will particularize one other Instance 
of supplies furnished upon his private credit, which was the means of 
closing the unequal contest. 

When the expedition against Cornwallis was planned by Washington 
the government treasury was empty and her credit shivering in the 
wind. The army was in a destitute situation and without the means 
of prosecuting a siege. Impressed deeply with the importance of the 
plan Mr. Morris undertook the herculean task of providing supplies for 
the expedition upon his private credit. Such confidence had Washing- 
ton in this able financier that he at once took up the line of march. In 
the short space of four weeks he furnished near eighty pieces of batter- 
ing cannon and one hundred pieces of field artillery with other neces- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 265 

sary supplies not furnished by the South. Although aided by the 
patriotic Richard Peters he gave his own notes to the amount of one 
million four hundred thousand dollars which were all paid at maturity. 
This enabled the Americans to triumphantly close the long and bloody 
struggle of the Revolution and lay firmly the foundations of the pros- 
perity and government we now enjoy. There was disinterested bene- 
volence crowned with all the majesty of pure devotion to the interests 
of country and the human family-as free from self as angels are. 

Under cover of the firm in which he was a partner-Willing, Morris 
& Co. many important and advantageous transactions were made for 
government although apparently for the firm, the large profits of which 
were placed to the credit of the public treasury. This was conclu- 
sively shown by an investigation instituted in Congress on motion of 
Mr. Laurens at the instance of Mr. Morris in order to repel base 
slanders put in circulation against this pure and honest patriot. 

All the accusations that have been brought against Robert Morris 
before and since his death, charging him with peculation or speculation 
in government funds or of any improper conduct towards his country 
as a public agent are without foundation in fact and out of the record. 
From the numerous documents I have examined, I am fully convinced 
that Robert Morris was one of the most disinterested patriots of the 
Revolution and one of the most efficient instruments in consummating 
that glorious enterprise. He was so considered by the illustrious 
Washington-the Continental Congress and by all who were and are 
properly posted on the subject. General Greene was one of his most 
ardent admirers, whose biographer-long after the sage and the hero 
had gone where none but slanderers dare rake up the sacred ashes of 
the dead, published a tirade of abuse against Mr. Morris that has im- 
paired his dignity as an impartial writer so as to render his envy abor- 
tive-his malice powerless. His extracts from public documents are 
garbled-his conclusions are based on false premises-his inuendoes are 
ungenerous-his attack gratuitous and has justly recoiled upon the 
proud escutcheon of his literary fame. 

The shafts of slander can never mar the fair reputation of this bene- 
factor of our country although hurled like lightning thunderbolts from 
the whole artillery of malice and revenge. Upon the enduring records 
of our nation his acts are written. There they stand in bold relievo, 
bright as the moon, clear as the sun and as withering to his enemies as 
the burning sand of Sahara. 

Congress elected Mr. Morris Superintendent of Finance on the 20th 
of February 1781. It was only from a deep sense of duty he could be 
34 



266 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

urged to accept the office. It was at a dark and fearful period of the 
Revolution. His duties were onerous and multiform. He immediately 
instituted an examination of the public debts, revenue and expenditures- 
reduced to economical system the mode of regulating the finances and 
disbursing the public funds-executed the plans of Congress relative to 
monetary affairs-superintended the action of all persons employed in 
obtaining and distributing supplies for the army-attended to the collec- 
tion of all monies due the United States-held a supervision over all the 
contractors for military supplies-provided for the civil list-corresponded 
with the Executive of each state and with ministers of our government 
in Europe and transacted business with all the public departments. 
Through the agency of the Bank of North America and with his own 
proverbial responsibility he improved the national credit so far that 
money was obtained from Europe on loan and a brighter prospect 
opened before the desponding patriots. He introduced rigid economy 
through all the avenues of public operations. He boldly entered the 
^gean stable and was the Hercules to cleanse it. Corrupt agents and 
corrupting speculators fled before his searching scrutiny-hissing like 
serpents disturbed in their dens. Perfect system pervaded all his trans- 
actions reducing them all to writing so that he was able to produce a 
conclusive voucher for each and every public act during his term of 
service. He believed system to be the ballast, main-mast and helm of 
business. 

At the time of his resignation he placed himself in the crucible of an 
examining committee of Congress before whom he exhibited a sche- 
dule of all his public transactions. The report of the committee placed 
him on a lofty eminence as an able and skilful financier-a palriotic and 
honest man. President Washington tendered him the office of Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, which he respectfully declined. He was a mem- 
ber of the convention that framed the Federal Constitution and a Sena- 
tor in the first Congress that convened under it. He seldom spoke in 
debate but when he did he was eloquent, chaste and logical. He was 
heard with profound attention and had great influence with his col- 
leagues. He possessed an inexhaustible store of useful information 
applicable to all the relations of public and private life. When the 
peace of 1783 was consummated Mr. Morris again entered largely into 
commercial business. He favored every kind of improvement and did 
all in his power to promote general good and individual happiness. 
He first introduced ice and hot-houses in our country. He was a rare 
specimen of industry, system, punctuality and honesty. 

After spending a long life in skilfully wielding a capital of millions 



OF THE AMERICAN 11 EVOLUTION. 267 

lie at last foundered upon the rock of land speculation and closed his 
eventful career in poverty on the 8th of May 1806 at the city of Phila- 
delphia sincerely mourned by his country and most deeply lamented 
by those who knew him best. He met the grim messenger of death 
with resignation and calmness-bid a cheerful farewell to friends, the 
toils of earth and all sublunary things. 

Mr. Morris was a large man with an open countenance, pleasing in 
his manners and agreeable in all his associations. His private charac- 
ter was as pure as his public career was illustrious. Dying poor, no 
marble monument is reared to his memory but his name is deeply en- 
graved upon the tablet of meritorious fame and will be revered by 
every true American and patriot until the historic page shall be blotted 
from the world-social order submerged by chaos. 



JOHN MORTON. 

Courage and perseverance, unaided by wisdom and sound discretion, 
often lead men into unforeseen and unanticipated difficulties. Com- 
bined-they are the fulcrum and lever of action. Guided by a wise dis- 
cretion, with talent to conceive and boldness to execute, the weak be- 
come strong and effect wonders at which they look with astonishment 
after the mighty work is accomplished. To these combined qualities 
of the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution we owe the bless- 
ings of liberty we now enjoy more than to the physical powers of our 
nation at that time. Compared with the fleets and armies of the mo- 
ther country at the eventful era when the Declaration of our Indepen- 
dence was adopted, the available force of the Colonies dwindles to 
insignificance. The one a giant in the pride of his glory-the other an 
infant just bursting into life. The one a Goliah clad in bristling armor- 
the other a pioneer boy with a puerile sling. The one with a veteran 
army and navy armed in panoply complete, well clothed, fed and paid- 
the other with scattered fragments of raw recruits, a few light vessels— 
the men poorly equipped, sparingly fed, worse clothed and seldom 
paid. Without referring the successful termination of the revolutionary 
struggle to the wisdom and perseverance of the patriots, who, under 
God, conceived, planned and executed the noble work it would be an 
unsolved enigma. * 

John Morton was proverbial for his discreet, wise, courageous and 
persevering course of life. He was a posthumous child born in Rid- 
ley, Delaware conntv, Pennsylvania, in 1724. His ancestors came 



268 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

from Sweden at an early period and settled on the bank of tne Dela- 
ware river near Philadelphia. John's father, of the same Christian 
name, married Mary Richards when he was very young and died 
before his majority. The widow subsequently married with John 
Sketchly an intelligent Englishman who proved a good husband and 
kind step-father. To him John was principally indebted for his sub- 
stantial English education, having enjoyed the advantages of a school 
but three months. Being a good mathematician and skilful surveyor, 
his step-son became perfect master of this important branch of science, 
which, more than any other, is calculated to lead a man into precision 
of thought and action. Based on invariable truth and lucid demon- 
stration, never resting on false premises, always arriving at incontro- 
vertible conclusions, it gives a tone to the mental powers calculated to 
produce the most salutary results. Education is incomplete wathout 
mastering mathematics. 

Young Morton continued with his faitliful guardian until manhood 
dawned upon him, aiding in the business of agriculture and surveying, 
constantly storing his mind with useful knowledge-testing theory by 
practice. In 1764 he was commissioned a justice of the peace and 
shortly after was elected to the Assembly of his native state. He soon 
became conspicuous and was subsequently speaker of the House dur- 
ing several sessions. He took a deep interest in the welfare of his 
country and was a member of the Congress assembled at New York in 
1765 to concert measures for the repeal of the odious Stamp Act. He 
concurred in the strong and bold appeals of that body which virtually 
kindled the fire of the Revolution. Although smothered for a time it 
was never extinguished until it consumed the last vestige of British 
power in America and expired for want of fuel. In 1767 he became 
the sheriff of his county which station he ably filled for three years. 
He was then appointed president judge of his district and gained ihe 
admiration and esteem of the entire community. About this time he 
performed a very sensible act by marrying Anne Justis of the State of 
Delaware who was worthy to be the wife of a patriot and contributed 
largely to his happiness through life. 

When the dread clarion of war was sounded from the heights oi 
Lexington the indignation of the people in his neighborhood was so 
roused that they at once raised a battalion of volunteers and elected 
Judge Morton colonel. He was compelled to decline the epic honor 
having been recently appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Penn- 
sylvania. In July 1774 he was made a member of the Congress that 
convened in Philadelphia the following September. The grand object 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 269 

of that Congress was to make a last and noble effort to effect a recon- 
ciliation between the two countries and heal instead of increasing the 
unfortunate breach. To this end men of cool deliberation, deep 
mought, matured judgment, profound wisdom and pure patriotism 
were selected for this important work on which depended the destiny 
of themselves and unborn millions. When the delegates assembled a 
deep and awful solemnity seemed to pervade every mind. No noise 
was heard but the still murmuring of the rushing blood, the beating of 
anxious hearts and the quick respiration of those who had congregated. 
The proceedings were opened by prayer. Every soul seemed to com- 
mune with the spirits of another world as by vesper orisons. After 
the address to the throne of grace the same awful silence reigned. 
Still nothing was heard but the rush of the purple stream and the 
throb of anxious hearts. Trembling tears and quivering lips told the 
emotions of many a bosom-too full to be expressed, too deep to be fa- 
thomed, too strong to be endured. At length the mighty spirit of Pat- 
rick Henry burst forth in all the sublimity of its native majesty and 
broke the mighty spell. In bold and glowing colors, shaded with dig- 
nified sincerity-painted upon the canvas of eternal justice with the 
pencil of unerring truth-he delineated American rights and British 
wrongs. When he closed every patriot responded a hearty-AMEN. 
Their mouths were opened, their burdens lightened-they breathed more 
freely. 

In May 1775 Judge Morton took his seat in Congress and was re- 
elected in November. In July 1776 he closed his congressional career. 
Before leaving, he placed a brilliant star upon the bright escutcheon of 
his name by voting for and signing the chart of our Liberty-the mani- 
festo of freemen against the usurpations of tyranny. During the time 
he was in Congress he was highly esteemed as a cool deliberate discreet 
man-purely patriotic and anxious to do all in his power to promote the 
righteous cause of his bleeding country. He weighed well the conse- 
quences of severing the bonds that bound the Colonies to the mother 
country. Unsustained, the Declaration of Independence was probable 
death to many-a more severe slavery for the survivors. To all human 
appearance the patriots must be crushed by the physical force of their 
enemies then pouring into the country by thousands and sweeping 
everything before them like a mighty torrent. There were five dele- 
gates from his colony. Two of them were bitterly opposed to the 
measure and two in favor, which gave him the casting vote. On him 
depended the enhanced misery or happy delivery of his country. 
When the final moment arrived he cast his vote in favor of the import- 



270 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

ant instrument that should prove cither the death warrant or the di 
ploma of freedom. Some of his old friends censured him severely for 
the bold act and were so strongly tinctured with toryism that they 
would not be reconciled to him when he lay upon the bed of death. 
Such were the strong party feelings during the Revolution. His dying 
message to them was worthy the sage and Christian. " Tell them that 
they will live to see the hours when they shall acknowledge it to have 
been the most glorious service that I have ever rendered to my coun- 
trv." The truth of his prophecy has been most happily verified so far 
as his services were concerned-if the other part has not do not go in 
mourning for its failure. 

When the Articles of Confederation were under discussion in Con- 
gress Judge Morton was frequently chairman of the committee of the 
whole and presided with great ability and dignity. In April 1777 he 
was attacked with a highly inflammatory fever which terminated his 
life in a few days in the midst of usefulness with fresh honors awaiting 
him as time rolled onward. His premature death was deeply mourned 
by his bereaved companion, eight children, a large concourse of bosom 
friends, the members of the bar, his associate judges, the State legisla- 
ture, Congress and by every patriot of his country. 

As a private citizen Judge Morton possessed an unusual share of 
esteem. He was endowed with all the amiable qualities that enrich the 
domestic circle and social intercourse. As the crowning glory of his 
fair fame he professed and adorned the religion of his Lord and Master 
and died triumphing in faith. His dust reposes in the cemetery of St. 
James' Church in Chester, Pa. His examples are worthy of the closest 
imitation-his brief career admonishes us of the uncertainty of human 
life-his happy death is an evidence of the truth of unvarnished piety. 



THOMAS NELSON. 

Honesty is a virtue that commands universal respect. Like many 
others this term has lost much of its original force. When Pope pro- 
nounced an honest man the noblest work of God-he included purpose, 
word and action in all things, under all circumstances, at all times. 
He alluded to a man whose purity of heart placed him above every 
temptation to violate the original laws of integrity that emanated 
from the high Chancery of Heaven. He referred to a man whose 
every action through his whole life should pass the scrutiny of Omni- 
science unscathed and stand approved by the great Jehovah. Such a 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 271 

inan is a noble work indeed worthy of the highest admiration and 
closest imitation. He would not take an umbrella or a newspaper 
from the owner without liberty. He is honest for tlie sake of this 
virtue-not from policy, the essential oil of dishonesty in disguise. 
Honesty that is based only on self interest is as unsafe as a keg of 
powder in the fire room of a steamboat. We have too much policy 
in morals and religion It is cunning without wisdom, cowardice with 
hypocrisy, fear of mat -not of God. The devil preaches religion from 
policy and the man who is honest only from policy is no better. Anec- 
dote to the point. The Chinese philosopher Confucius met an insane 
woman with a pitcher of water and faggot of fire and asked her how 
she intended to use them. She replied-" With the fire I will burn up 
heaven-with the water I will put out hell-we shall then know who 
are good for the sake of goodness." 

The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution who persevered 
to the end were remarkable for integrity and freedom from self interest. 
None of them were more so than Thomas Nelson, born at Yorktown, 
Virginia, on the 26th of December 1738. He was the son of William 
Nelson whose father came from England at an early period and located 
at Yorktown. The father of Thomas was a wealthy merchant and 
planter. He filled many public stations with great ability. During 
the interval between the administration of Lord Bottetourt and Lord 
Dunmore, he presided over the Colony ex officio, being then President 
of the Executive Council. 

At the age of fourteen Thomas was placed under the tuition of Mr. 
Newcomb whose school was near Hackney, England. He graduated 
at Trinity College under Dr. Beilby Porteus, the bright literary orna- 
ment of that time and afterwards Bishop of London. Guided by the 
master genius of this finished scholar, accomplished gentleman and 
pioug divine, Mr. Nelson traced the fair lines of science and explored 
the avenues of literature. The principles of strict virtue and stern 
integrity were deeply impressed upon his mind and governed his 
actions through life. After spending eight years at the classic fountain 
in England he returned to his native home highly improved in mind 
and person. He entered upon the enjoyment of a large real estate 
and over one hundred and thirty thousand dollars in money. Not 
selfish at heart-unwilling to enjoy so much alone, as in duty bound 
he led to the hymenial altar Lucy-daughter of Philip Grimes of Bran- 
don and settled happily and quietly at his native place. His house 
became the seat of domestic felicity and hospitality. 

For a long time great intimacy existed between the leading men of 



272 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Virginia and England. This arose from consanguinity and the wealth 
that enabled the most prominent men of the Old Dominion to educate 
their sons in the mother country. For more than a century an inter- 
change of good feelings and kind offices were kept up. The sons who 
were educated in Great Britain imbibed the same ideas of Independ- 
ence as those which were the boast of the noblemen of that kingdom 
and very properly felt themselves entitled to as much confidence from 
the King as a native resident of Albion. For this reason, when the 
British ministry put the car of oppression in motion in Virginia, her 
wealthy and noblest sons were the most vigorous opposers of regal 
power. The very fact of former intimacy charged this opposition 
with stronger bitterness. The very chivalry that the proud Britons 
had taught the sons of the Old Dominion was brought to bear upon 
the hirelings of the crown with the force of an avalanche. 

In 1774 Mr. Nelson was elected to the House of Burgesses and took 
a bold stand in favor of liberal principles. He was one of the eighty- 
nine members who assembled at a tavern the day after Lord Dunmore 
dissolved them and formed themselves into an association of non-in- 
tercourse with Great Britain. At the next election he was again 
returned. He was a member of the two conventions that appointed 
Congressional delegates in 1774-5. He supported the bold measures 
proposed by the daring Henry from which many of the patriots at 
first recoiled with terror and amazement. He had no ear for the siren 
song of peace when the shores of his country were darkened by 
foreign fleets and armies. At the convention in March 1775 the fol- 
lowing resolutions were proposed by Patrick Henry and passed. The 
first germ of our militia system then burst from embryo. 

" Resolved-That a well regulated militia, composed of gentlemen and 
yeomen, is the natural strength and only security of a free government- 
that such a militia in this colony would forever render it unnecessary 
for the mother country to keep among us, for the purpose of our de- 
fence, any standing army of mercenary soldiers, always subversive of 
the quiet and dangerous to the liberties of the people and would ob- 
viate the pretext of taxing for their support. That the establishment 
of such a militia is at this time peculiarly necessary by the state of 
our laws, some of which have already expired and will shortly be so 
and that the known remissness of government in calling us together 
in legislative capacity renders it too insecure in this time of danger 
and distress to rely that opportunity will be given of renewing them 
in general Assembly or making any provision to secure our inestima- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 273 

ble rights and liberties from those further violations with which they 
are threatened. 

Resolved-That this Colony be immediately put in a state of defence 

and that be a committee to prepare a plan for embodying, arming 

and disciplining such a number of men as may be sufficient for that pur- 
pose." 

These resolutions were warmly supported by Mr. Nelson regardless of 
the certain destruction of a large portion of his property in case of an 
open rupture with mother Britain. The resolutions were carried and 
iuly fixed for the division of the Colony into military districts. From 
Uiat time Virginia presented a bold front against the unwarranted pre- 
tensions and insolent assumptions of power on the part of the crown 
officers. In July the Convention again assembled and divided the Colony 
into sixteen military districts-the Eastern to immediately raise a regiment 
of six hundred and eighty men rank and file, the others to raise a bat- 
talion of five hundred men each-all to be at once armed and held in 
readiness to march at any moment. The Convention further directed 
the raising of two regiments of regulars of one thousand and twenty 
privates each-the first to be commanded by Patrick Henry, the other by 
Thomas Nelson. Virginia stands number one in the organization of a 
military system independent of mother Britain-a system that now per- 
vades the United States. 

On the 11th of August this Convention met again and elected Mr. 
Nelson and others to the Continental Congress in which he took his seat 
on the 13th of September following. He was an industrious and efficient 
member of many important committees but rarely took part in debate. 
By the following extract from his letter to Gov. Page dated 22d January 
1776 it appears he was one of those who early agitated the question of 
Independence. "I wish I knew the sentiments of our people upon the 
grand points of Confederation and Foreign Alliance-or in other words- 
of Independence-for we cannot expect to form a connexion with any 
foreign power as long we have a womanish hankering after Great 
Britain and to be sure there is not in nature a greater absurdity than to 
suppose we can have any afl^ection for a people who are carrying on the 
most savage war against us." On the 13th of February following he 
wrote to the same gentleman in the following strong language-" Inde- 
pendence, Confederation and foreign alliance are as formidable to some 
members of Congress-I fear a majority, as an apparition to a weak 
enervated woman. Would you think we have some among us who still 
expect honorable proposals from the administration! By heavens! I 
am an infidel in politics for I do not believe were you to bid a thousand 
35 



274 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

pounds per scruple for honor at the court of Great Britain that you would 
get as many as would make an ounce. We are now carrying on a war 
and no war. They seize our property whenever they find it either by 
land or sea and we hesitate to retaliate because we have a few iiicnds 
in England who have ships. Away with such squeamishness say I." 

By this language we can judge of the ardent feelings that moved this 
friend of equal rights to noble and god-like action. It was the pure fire 
of patriotism fanned to a brilliant flame by a just indignation against a 
tyrannical and insolent foe. It was a fire that reflected a genial heat 
upon those around it and increased in volume as time rolled onward. 
Like separate particles of metal in a crucible, one member after another 
yielded to the power of the patriotic flame until all were united in one 
liquid mass and on the 4th of July 1776 the mould of Liberty was filled. 
When opened to the admiring view of a gazing world a new and purely 
original table of law and government was presented enriched with the 
embossments of equal rights and equal justice. On this fair tablet, more 
beautiful than mosaic work, Mr. Nelson engraved his name in bold relievo. 
Here we might leave him with glory enough for one man. But he had 
then just entered the vestibule of his useful career. His whole soul and 
body were enlisted in the glorious cause. . He worked on, hoped on and 
hoped ever. He was again returned to Congress but was compelled to 
retire in May in consequence of a dangerous attack of brain fever that 
for a time threatened to impair his mental powers. Fortunately for the 
cause of Independence his health was restored. 

During the ensuing August the British fleet entered the capes for the 
purpose of chastising the rebels of the Old Dominion. A general rally 
of the military was the immediate consequence. Mr. Nelson was made 
Brig. General and commander of all the Virginia forces. The appoint- 
ment was popular-the incumbent competent. His appearance among 
the people inspired confidence. The troops rallied around him like 
affectionate children around a fond parent. Learning how the land lay 
the fleet went its way for that time and waited for a more convenient 
season. The soldiers again became citizens. 

In October of that year Gen. Nelson took his seat in the legislature of 
bis state and took an active part in the deliberations of that body. During 
the session a bill was brought before the House sequestering British pro- 
perty and authorizing those of the Colonists who were in favor of Liberty 
and owed subjects of Great Britain, to pay the amount into the public 
treasury. If tiie wives and children of such subjects remained in the 
state the Governor was authorized to pay them certain portions of this 
money for their support. With all his indignity against mother Britain, 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 275 

his sense of justice induced hinn to oppose the bill because it violated 
individual contracts. He becanne roused and made an able and eloquent 
speech against the measure and closed with the followiug emphatic lan- 
guage-" For these reasons I hope the bill will be rejected-but whatever 
be its fate-so help me God I will pay my debts like an honest man." 

On the 2d of March 1778 Congress made an appeal to the patriotism 
of the wealthy young men of the several states urging them to raise a 
troop of light cavalry at their own expense. When this proposition 
was received in Virginia Gen. Nelson sent a circular to all the young 
gentlemen of fortune in the state recommending them to rush to the 
rescue in person and to open their purses to other high-minded young 
men who were poor in money but rich in patriotism. A company of 
seventy was promptly raised in that state and elected Gen. Nelson to 
command them. He proceeded with his charge to Baltimore and re- 
ported his youthful band to the brave Pulaski who received the young 
volunteers with admiration and delight. From that place the company 
proceeded to Philadelphia where the General and the young gentlemen 
soldiers received the applause and thanks of Congress. As their ser- 
vices were not needed at that time they returned home. Their ex- 
penses were principally paid by Gen. Nelson without any charge to 
government. For his services during the war he took no pay and 
expended a large portion of his fortune in the cause of freedom. 

On the 18th of February 1779 he again took his seat in Congress 
and labored so intensely in the committee rooms that he brought on 
another attack similar to the former and was compelled to return home 
in April. Relaxation from business and domestic quiet soon restored 
his health. In May the British made a descent upon Virginia and 
marked their course with relentless cruelty and destruction. Gen. Nel- 
son at once took the field and marshalled his troops near Yorktown. 
The enemy dared not approach him and filed off". During that short 
campaign he was a father to his soldiers and supplied them with food 
from his own funds. He distributed his laborers and servants among 
the poor families of the militia from his neighborhood to labor during 
the absence of the men. He was as benevolent as he was patriotic 
and brave. For the state he raised large sums upon his own credit for 
which he was remunerated but in part. This was done freely without 
any noise or boasting. He was good for the sake of goodness-honest 
for the sake of honesty-not from policy or to be seen of men. 

In the spring of 1781 Virginia was the scene of murder, rapine and 
ruin. Judas Arnold and Lord Cornwallis were sweeping over the state 
like a tornado. Gen. Nelson was constantly in the field doing all in 



276 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

his power to arrest the savage career of the merciless foe. He became 
the hero of the Old Dominion. In June of that year he was elected 
governor of the state. He at once entered upon the duties of his office 
and bent his whole energies on raising troops to resist the enemy. 
About that time La Fayette arrived with a body of regulars. Gov. 
Nelson joined him in the field and placed himself and his troops under 
command of the Marquis. Everything in his power he grasped to aid 
his bleeding country. He placed his work horses and negroes in the 
public service. In the midst of these struggles a circumstance occur- 
red that was exceedingly trying to his noble soul. By the constitution 
the governor could act only in concert with the Council. Two of that 
body had been taken prisoners by Tarleton-two had resigned when 
most needed. A quorum could not be raised. The crisis required 
prompt and decisive action. In this dilemma he proceeded to act as 
if a quorum of the Council was present. Long after he had retired to 
private life and at a time when he was sinking under disease, some 
■wretches, who would be only scavengers in Pandemonium, made this 
a ground of complaint against him. A just legislature put the matter 
forever at rest by passing a special law sanctioning every act of the 
governor during his administration under the circumstances alluded to. 
Ingratitude is the prime minister of Satan-revenge its secretary. 

By the vigilance of Governor Nelson and La Fayette Lord Corn- 
wallis was snugly ensconced in Yorktown. A dark cloud hovered 
over his military fame. Awful forebodings haunted his blood-stained 
imagination. Retributive justice pierced his guilty conscience with a 
thousand viper stings. The cries of widows and orphans-the curling 
flames of hospitable mansions-the sweeping destruction of villages and 
towns-the dying groans of innocent victims-the damning fruits of his 
savage career, preyed upon his agonized soul like a promethean vulture. 
The die was cast. The siege was commenced. Washington was 
there. At the head of the Virginia troops was Governor Nelson-cool, 
brave, fearless, vigorous. His native town-his own mansion and pro- 
perty were now to be razed to the ground. At first he observed the 
American batteries carefully avoid his house. The principal British 
officers had made it their head quarters for this reason. Learning it 
was out of respect for him he directed the gunners to point their cannon 
at his mansion. The first discharge after this order sent several shot 
through it-killed two of the officers and frightened the rest from a table 
well spread with edibles and wines. They were at dinner and feared 
no danger. The result of the siege was glorious and closed the war 
of the Revolution. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ' 277 

The following extract from the general orders of the illustrious 
Washington of the 20th of October 1781 will best inform the reader of 
the estimate placed upon the services of Governor Nelson at that me- 
morable siege. 

" The General would be guilty of the highest ingratitude-a crime of 
which he hopes he shall never be accused, if he forgot to return his 
sincere acknowledgments to his excellency Governor Nelson, for the 
succors which he received from him and the militia under his com- 
mand, to whose activity emulation and bravery the highest praises are 
due. The magnitude of the acquisition will be ample compensation for 
the difficulties and dangers they met with so much firmness and patri- 
otism." 

The fatigues of this campaign and his arduous gubernatorial duties 
proved too much for the physical powers of Governor Nelson. He 
again sunk under disease and resigned his office on the 20th November 
1781 and retired from the public arena to private life. He spent the 
remainder of his days on a small estate he had gathered up from the 
wreck of his princely fortune, situated at Offly in the county of Hano- 
ver. His health continued to decline until the 4th of January 1789 
when he was numbered with the dead. His obituary, written by his 
bosom friend Col. Innes, fully portrays the character of this devoted 
patriot and will best close this annal. 

" The illustrious Nelson is no more ! He paid the last debt of nature 
on Sunday the fourth day of the present month at his estate in Hanover. 
He who undertakes barely to recite the exalted virtues which adorned 
the life of this great and good man will unavoidably pronounce a pane- 
gyric upon human nature. As a man, a citizen, a legislator and a pa- 
triot, he exhibited a conduct untarnished and undebased by sordid and 
selfish interests and strongly marked with the. genuine characteristics 
of true religion, sound benevolence and liberal policy. Entertaining 
the most ardent love for civil and religious Liberty, he was among the 
first of that glorious band of patriots whose exertions dashed and de- 
feated the machinations of British tyranny and gave to united America 
freedom and independent empire. At a most important crisis during 
the late struggle for American Liberty, when this State appeared to be 
designated as the theatre of action for the contending armies, he was 
selected by the unanimous suffi'age of the legislature to command the 
virtuous yeomanry of his country. In this honourable employment he 
remained until the end of the war. As a soldier he was indefatigably 
active and coolly intrepid. Resolute and undejected in misfortune, he 
towered above distress and struggled with the manifold difficulties to 



278 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

which his situation exposed him with constancy and courage. In the 
memorable year of 1781 when the whole force of the southern Britisli 
army was directed to the subjugation of this State, he was called to the 
helm of government. This was a juncture which indeed ' tried men's 
souls.' He did not avail himself of this opportunity to retire in the 
rear of danger, but on the contrary took the field at the head of his 
countrymen and at the hazard of his life, his fame and individual for- 
tune. By his decision and magnanimity he saved not only his country 
but all America from disgrace if not from total ruin. Of this truly pa- 
triotic and heroic conduct the renowned commander-in-chief, with all 
the gallant officers of the combined armies employed at the siege of 
York, will bear ample testimony. This part of his conduct even con- 
temporary jealousy, envy and malignity were forced to approve and 
this, more impartial posterity, if it can believe, will almost adore. If, 
after contemplating the splendid and heroic parts of his character we 
shall inquire for the milder virtues of humanity and seek for the man, 
we shall find the refined, beneficent and social qualities of private life, 
through all its forms and combinations, so happily modified and united 
in him, that in the words of the darling poet of nature, it may be said, 

' His life was gentle, and the elements 
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up 
And say to all the world-ruis is a man.' " 



JAMES OTIS. 

Death is a source of terror to most persons. It should be a source 
of anticipated joy to evory reasonable being. Death is viewed as the 
great enemy of man. He is our best friend. Many Christians tremble 
at the thought of being folded in the arms of this friend who performs 
for us the last-lhe greatest kind office that can be awarded this side of 
eternity. Why should we treat death as an enemy ? Is he an enemy 
who dehvers us from pain, disappointment, folly, error, misery and all 
the ills of our earthly pilgrimage? Is he an enemy who transfers us 
from the land of delusive dreams, the region of phantoms and corrod- 
ing cares-to an Elysium of substantial joys and enduring bliss? It is 
a libel on death to call him a foe-a king of terrors-an enemy. 

Frail man comes into this world crying-cries on through life and is 
always seeking after some earthly object he intends to christen happi- 
ness when obtained. When he reaches the bubble it often bursts at the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 279 

slightest touch-it never imparts unalloyed comfort. He is often mourn- 
ing over the misfortunes that lie thickly along the road of life. He is 
forced to learn there is nothing pure but Heaven. Within the restless 
mortal body there is an immortal soul that requires more than earth 
can give to satisfy its lofty aspirations. This soul hails death as the 
welcome messenger to deliver it from its ever changing decaying 
prison of clay-called man-oh which time wages an exterminating war 
until DEATH breaks the carnal fetters-sets the prisoner free-opening the 
door of immortality-returning the redeemed spirit to its original abode 
of refulgent glory to go no more out for ever. To be terrified at the 
thoughts of death is to endure unnecessary fear and add to the discom- 
forts of life. We should be in constant readiness to give this friend a 
hearty welcome. All who are wise will do so. 

It is evident the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution did 
not quail at the thought of sacrificing their lives upon the altar of 
Liberty. By the British and Tories the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence was called the death warrant of the signers. Had the first 
open opposers of the crown fallen into the hands of the royalists their 
lives would have been terminated in a summary manner. Among 
these was James Otis who was born at Barnstable, Mass. in 1725. 
He graduated at Harvard College when but eighteen years of age. 
He read law with Mr. Gridley-settled in Plymouth and became one of 
the most brilliant lights of the profession. He was an uncompromising 
and fearless opposer of British wrongs-an able and unwavering advo- 
cate of American rights. In 1761 he appeared before the judges of the 
Supreme Court in defence of the people against the writs of assistance. 
His logic, eloquence and boldness astonished all who heard him. He 
insulated the people with patriotic fire that all the powers of mother 
Britain could never extinguish. Among others he was listened to by 
John Adams who often remarked-" Independence was then and there 
born." By the patriots of that day he was called the originator of the 
Revolution. He was the first man who placed his name to a bold and 
vigorous pamphlet which he wrote and published-exposing the innova- 
tions of the British ministry upon the chartered rights of the Colonies. 
He was threatened with arrest which only roused him to more vigilant 
action in defence of human rights. He was a member of the Congress 
that convened in New York in 1765. During that year he wrote his 
" Rights of the Colonies Vindicated"-which was a masterly production 
and published in London. He was of a warm temperament-impulsive 
-if hard pressed was sometimes harsh in his language. He was lashed 
severely by the ministerial organs which caused him to publish pungent 



280 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Strictures upon the conduct of several of the crown officers. Soon 
after these appeared he was attacked in a public room by a band 
of British ruffians led on by custom house commissioner Robinson, 
who nearly took his life. This occurred on the 5th of September 
1769. So much was he injured that his reason soon fled for ever. 
He may appropriately be called the first mover and the first martyr 
of the American Revolution. He obtained a judgment of $20,000 
against Robinson for the base assault and on receiving a written apo- 
logy relinquished it. 

His towering mental powers broke rapidly until he became a mental 
wreck. The repeated blows upon his head had permanently deranged 
his brain. Occasional lucid flashes would pass over his mind like bril- 
liant meteors and pass as quickly away. He had often expressed a 
wish that he might be killed by lightning. That desire was granted 
on the 23d day of May 1783 while leaning on his cane at the door of 
Mr. Osgood. His body was taken to Boston and buried with every 
mark of respect attended by an unprecedented concourse of sympa- 
thizing freemen. 

No patriot of the Revolution merits our reverence, admiration and 
gratitude more than James Otis. He commenced that opposition 
against tyranny which resulted in the emancipation of the new conti- 
nent-prepared an asylum for the oppressed and set an example for 
patriots worthy of imitation through all future time and over the civi- 
lized world. 



WILLIAM PACA. 

Creative wisdom has not designed every man for a Demosthenes 
or a Cicero but every man of common sense is designed to be good 
and useful. If all were alike gifted with splendid talents the mono- 
tony would become painful. Variety, the spice of life, would lose its 
original flavor. If all our legislators were eloquent orators and were 
aflected by the mania of speech making as most of our public speakers 
are at the present day, we should be constantly as we are frequently, 
overwhelmed with talk and have but little work commenced and less 
completed. No one admires true eloquence more than the writer but 
not too much of this good thing at the expense of the dear people. 
Business is of higher importance. Like our bodies that end in a 
narrow cell-the long, elaborate and in some instances-sensible and 
eloquent speeches of our legislators receive their finale in the approv- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 281 

ing-Aye-or the emphatic-JVb. Although based upon the purest mo- 
tives-dictated by the most enlightened understanding-strengthened by 
the soundest logic-embellished with the richest flowers of rhetoric- 
illumined by the most brilliant intelligence-./^z/e or JVo decides the most 
gigantic efforts of every speech maker. I indulge no desire to extin- 
guish these intellectual lights or to snuff them too closely. Their wicks 
should be cut shorter and the volume of their flame diminished so as 
to emit less smoke. Brevity is the _soul of wit-despatch the life of 
business. In the committee room every man can be useful. The 
responsibilities of a vote bear equally upon all. Let the importance 
of no man be undervalued by himself or compeers because he was 
not born with a trumpet tongue. If his head is clear and his heart 
right he can do good and be useful. 

Among those who rendered essential service in the cause of the 
American Revolution in a retiring and unassuming manner, was Wil- 
liam Paca born at Wye Hall on the eastern shore of Maryland October 
31st 1740. His father was an estimable man. He gave this son a 
good education and planted deeply in his mind the principles of virtue 
and moral rectitude. He graduated at the college in Philadelphia and 
in 1758 commenced the study of law at Annapolis in his native state. 
He applied himself closely to the investigation of that branch of science 
that unfolds the nature and duty of man in all the relations of life- 
shows what he is and what he should be under all circumstances-un- 
veils his passions, his propensities and his inclinations-carries the mind 
back through the abysm of lights, shadows and darkness to pristine 
happiness and illuminates the understanding more than any other 
course of reading. Law is a compound of all the sciences in theory and 
practice. An honest lawyer who is actuated by principles of strict 
justice, pure ethics, equal rights and stern integrity-can do more to 
sustain social order and promote human happiness than a man pur- 
suing either of the other professions. A lawyer is not complete until 
he understands at least the theory of all the practical sciences, profes- 
sions, trades and the whole routine of business and the nature of man. 
The acquisition of elementary law is only the vestibule to a full prepa- 
tion for practice. 

Upon the firm basis of an honest lawyer Mr. Paca commenced a 
successful business and built an enduring fame. He was esteemed for 
his clearness of perception, purity of purpose, decision of character, 
prudence of action and substantial usefulness-all exhibiting a clear 
light but not a dazzling blaze. Upon a mind like his the oppression 
of the mother country made a gradual impression that was deepened 
36 



282 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

by the graver of continued violations of right until it became so 
firmly fixed that all the powers of earth could not efface, deface, erase 
or expunge it. As constitutional privileges were more openly in- 
fringed his soul became more strongly resolved on liberty or death. 
He was on intimate terms with Mr. Chase who possessed all the 
powers to command whilst Mr. Paca was endowed with the indispen- 
sable requisites of a safe and skilful helmsman. With qualities thus 
differing these two patriots simultaneously commenced their voyage 
upon the boisterous ocean of public life destined for the same port- 
the haven of liberty. 

Soon after he commenced practice at the bar Mr. Paca w^as elected 
to the Maryland legislature and became a very useful member. In 
1771 he was one of the committee of three that prepared a letter of 
thanks to Charles Carroll for his able advocacy of the cause of freedom 
in a written controversy with the royal governor and his subordinates. 
In that letter the committee expressed a determination never to submit 
to taxation without representation or to the regulation of taxes by the 
executive authority-thus furnishing the crown with an index of the 
public mind in advance of the text. Mr. Paca was a member of the 
Congress of 1774 which was rendered illustrious by proceedings of 
propriety and wisdom emanating from minds like his. Upon such 
men we can always rely in times of peril. They view everything in 
the calm sunshine of reason and justice being never overwhelmed by 
sudden emotions or angry passions. Ever upon the terra Jirma of pru- 
dence ready for action they are prepared to render assistance to those 
whose loftier barks often run into the breakers and need a cable from 
on shore to haul them in. 

Mr. Paca was continued in Congress until 1778 and rendered valu- 
ble service to his country. In 1775 he joined Mr. Chase in furnishing 
a new military corps with rifles to the amount of nearly a thousand 
dollars from their private funds. He devoted his time, talents and 
fortune to the cause of freedom. His examples had a powerful influ- 
ence upon reflecting men. All had unlimited confidence in his opinions 
-always deliberately formed. When the Declaration of Independence 
was proposed his feelings and views were decidedly in its favor but 
his instructions were opposed to it. The Maryland members of Assem- 
bly considered the project wild-believing the power of the mother 
country would crush all opposition in embryo. Redress they fondly 
but vainly hoped for. The British authorities soon furnished argu 
ments steeped in blood that removed all restrictions and left Mr. Paca 
and his colleagues to act freely. The first decided vote in favor of 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 283 

Stringent measures was on the 28th of May 1776 at which time the 
Chaplain of the Maryland Assembly was directed not to pray for the 
King. As trifling as this may now appear it then had a favorable 
and potent influence upon the people. When the glorious day arrived 
to decide the fate of the Chart of Liberty Mr. Paca was at his 
post and enrolled his name with the apostles of freedom whose 
fame will continue to rise in peerless majesty until the last trump of 
time shall sound its closing notes and assemble the world of mankind 
in one grand army for the final inspection of the great Jehovah. 

In 1778 Mr. Paca retired from Congress and was appointed Chief 
Judge of the Superior Court of Maryland. In 1780 his duties were 
increased by his appointment to preside over the Prize and Admiralty 
Court. He stood approved as an able statesman-he was an ornament 
to the judiciary. The acumen of his mind and legal acquirements 
made him a strong judge-his honesty and impartiality made a popular 
one. In 1782 he was elected governor and discharged the duties of 
the office with great usefulness. He was a devoted friend to relio-ion 
and education and did much to render them prosperous. He incul- 
cated principles of economy and morals and held a parental supervision 
over every department of state that came within the pale of his execu- 
tory or advisory jurisdiction. His wise and judicious administration 
rendered malice powerless, paralyzed slander and left no loop for jeal- 
ousy to hang upon. 

At the end of his term he retired to private life which he enjoyed 
until 1786 when he was again called to direct the destinies of his native 
state. In 1789 President Washington appointed him Judge of the U. S. 
District Court of Maryland which office he ably filled up to 1799 when 
he was summoned to appear at the Bar of God to render an account 
of his stewardship. He cheerfully obeyed the summons, launched his 
immortal spirit on the ocean of eternity and disappeared from earth. 
He had lived the life of the righteous-his last end was like his. 

Mr. Paca was a man of polished manners, plain and dignified in his 
deportment with an intelligent and benignant countenance. His course 
in life demonstrated clearly that moderation and mildness joined with 
discretion and firmness govern more potently than authoritative dicta- 
tion. His memory is revered-let his examples be imitated. 



284 THE SAGES AND HEROES 



ROBERT TREAT PAINE 

Virtue affords the only sure foundation of a peaceful and happy 
government. When the wicked rule corruption accumulates. Not 
that rulers must be members of some visible church-but they should 
venerate religion and be men of pure morals and political honesty. 
Disease affects the body politic and produces dissolution with the same 
fearful certainty that it destroys the physical powers of man. If the 
head is disordered the whole heart is sick. If the political fountain 
becomes polluted its dark and murky waters will rapidly impregnate 
every branch of the body politic with their contagious miasma. The 
history of all time proves the truth of this proposition. The passing 
events of the present exciting era are fruitful with demonstrations of 
the baneful effects of intrigue, peculation, political fanaticism and dis- 
union. 

Without virtue our UNION will become a mere rope of sand-a spoil 
for knaves and the sport of kings. Self-government will be an unsolved 
enigma, rational liberty a paradox, a republic the scoff of monarchs. 
With Argus eyes the crowned heads of Europe are watching our ca- 
reer and embracing every opportunity to weaken our government. 
Each year of our prosperous existence endangers their power. • The 
Elysian story of our liberty is enrapturing their subjects and preparing 
them for freedom. The tenure by which they hold their thrones is 
becoming weaker as time rolls onward. If we are true to ourselves, 
if virtue predominates-if patriotism, discretion and an enlightened 
honest policy guide our rulers-the American Republic will increase in 
beauty, strength and grandeur- and become the nucleus of Liberty for 
the world. Freemen ! look to this matter in time and nobly perform 
your whole duty. Obey the precepts and imitate the examples of the 
Sages and Heroes who wisely conceived and boldly achieved the Inde- 
pendence we now enjoy. They were virtuous, many of them devotedly 
pious-all of them politically honest. 

Holding a conspicuous place among them was Robert Treat Paine, 
born at Boston, Mass. in 1731. He was blessed with truly pious pa- 
rents. His father performed the duties of a clergyman until his health 
compelled him to leave the sacred desk. He then commenced the 
mercantile business. The mother of Robert was the daughter of the 
Rev. Robert Treat, an eminent divine of Eastham. From these reli- 
gious parents he imbibed those virtuous principles that guided his 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 285 

course through life. Were there no other blessings flowing from 
Christianity than its salutary influence upon social order and harmony 
of society, mankind would be richly paid for obeying its precepts. 
This consideration alone should close the mouth of every infidel let the 
conclusions of his mind be what they may with reference to its origin 
and reality. No other system has ever been devised that confers as 
much happiness upon the greatest number. 

At an early age Robert Treat was placed in the classical school of 
Mr. L'ovell in Boston where his embryo talents expanded into a rich and 
luxuriant growth. At the age of fourteen he entered Harvard College. 
When he graduated his parents had become so reduced in circumstances 
as to need pecuniary aid. To provide ways and means he at once com- 
menced teaching a public school-an occupation of more importance and 
dignity than is generally awarded to it. When Greece and Rome 
flourished-teaching took the front rank in professions. For a single 
course in rhetoric, one hundred Athenean scholars paid Isocrates fourteen 
thousand eight hundred dollars. It is not surprising that the highest 
order of talent was employed to advance literature in Greece. The 
same liberality would effect wonders in our country. 

From the avails of his school Mr. Paine supported his parents and a 
maiden sister in poor health and at the same time pursued his profes- 
sional studies. He commenced theology but subsequently read and 
entered upon a successful practice of law. For a time he continued at 
the Boston Bar but ultimately settled at Taunton where he acquired a 
substantial reputation as an active, sound and discreet lawyer. He 
enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his numerous acquaintances and 
became celebrated as an advocate. He was among the first to oppose 
the innovations of the crown and promulge liberal principles. He was 
a member of the Convention called by the citizens of Boston in 17G8 to 
devise measures for the preservation of their sacred rights and which 
Governor Bernard vainly attempted to disperse before the members had 
completed their deliberations. At the instance of Samuel Adams he was 
employed to conduct the prosecution against Capt. Preston for ordering 
his men to fire upon the people of Boston on the 5th of March 1770. 
Upon that trial he exhibited great zeal and ability. During the accumu- 
lation of the revolutionary storm he was uniformly in the conventions 
and upon the important committees of the people. Many of the boldest 
resolutions that were adopted came from his pen. 

In 1773 he was elected to the Assembly of his Province and was one 
of the members who conducted the impeachment of Peter Oliver, then 
Chief Justice, who was accused of acting under the dictation of the king 



286 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

instead of the Assembly. In the prosecution of that trial Mr. Paine 
manifested strong talent and great professional skill. In 1774 he was 
again returned to the Assembly and boldly warned the people against 
the dangers to be apprehended from the appointment of Gov. Gage to 
succeed Gov. Hutchinson. It was plain to his mind that the nefarious 
designs of the British ministry were to be enforced by the bayonet unless 
the people tamely submitted to slavery. An awful crisis was approach- 
ing. A larger committee than at any previous time convened at Boston, 
which proposed and urged the plan of a General Congress to be con- 
vened at Philadelphia. Gov. Gage sent an order for them to disperse 
but his orderly was refused admittance. Five delegates were appointed 
to meet the General Congress of whom Mr. Paine was one. This mea- 
sure was originated in Massachusetts in 1765 and was strongly urged in 
a circular in 1768. The set time to favor Liberty had now come. The 
galling yoke had become painful-most of the colonies approved the 
plan. By the originators of this proposition a separation from England 
was not contemplated-a restoration of chartered rights was all that was 
asked and this in the most loyal and respectful language. With this 
object in view the Congress convened. When the delegates compared 
notes they were astonished at the wide spread system of abuses that 
was on the flood tide of advancement throughout the Colonies. Each 
had supposed his own constituents most oppressed. Indignation increased 
but wisdom and deliberation stamped every transaction with a manly 
dignity. The proceedings were calm as a summer morning but firm as 
the rock of ages. The delegates appealed to the king, to Parliament, to 
the British nation, to the American people-to a gazing world for the 
justice of their claims-the equity of their demands. But appeals were 
vain, cries useless, remonstrances unheeded. They were answered by 
legions of hireling troops in all the panoply of war with the shrill bugle 
grating harshly upon the ear. They saw the glittering steel of the foe 
dazzling in the sun beams. Open resistance or servile submission were 
the alternatives. 

Mr. Paine was a member of the Provincial Congress convened in 
Concord, Mass. in October 1774. He superintended the preparation of 
a spirited address to the people of England which put many in the mother 
country right and did much to rouse the Colonists to a just indignation 
towards the overbearing ministry. In 1775 he was a member of the 
Continental Congress and was placed upon many important committees. 
He was chairman of the committee on the manufacture of arms and for 
furnishing the army. He was indefatigable in his labors in the glorious 
cause of Liberty. He often said-" I fear we shall become slaves because 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 287 

we are not industrious enough to be free." Mr. Paine was one of the 
committee to prepare a constitution for his native state and had the 
credit of framing that instrument. In 1776 he was a member of the 
Continental Congress. He was on the committee with Messrs. Jefferson 
and Rutledge who prepared the rules that governed the action of that 
body. He was one of the committee to inquire into the causes of the 
disasters of the campaign in Canada. When the glorious 4th of July 
1776 dawned upon Columbia's sons like smiling Heaven and the Eagle 
of Liberty soared in peerless majesty over their blood-stained soil-Mr. 
Paine was at his post. With a buoyant heart and firm hand he wrote 
his name upon that matchless instrument which is the consolation of 
freemen-the consternation of tyrants. 

He did much to rouse his friends to action by his letters written in 
the most happy style. In his native State he stood high in the temple 
of fame-in Congress he was esteemed by all its members. He was 
continued in that body for several years and when he could be spared 
served in the legislature of his State. In 1777 he was speaker of the 
House of Representatives. The same year he was. appointed attorney- 
general by the unanimous vote of both branches of the legislature. He 
was a prominent member of the committee that formed the Act re- 
ducing the price of labor and goods to a standard of equality. In 
1779 he was elected to the Executive Council. The numerous duties 
imposed upon him he discharged to the satisfaction of his constituents. 
He was continued in the office of attorney-general until 1790. He then 
declined in order to pursue some more lucrative business to provide for 
the increasing wants of a large and destitute family. He had expended 
all his earnings in the cause of freedom but a scanty support. He was 
then appointed a judge of the Superior Court. He continued on the 
bench until 1804 when ill health compelled him to resign. He dis- 
charged his judicial duties with justice and ability and did much to ad- 
vance the interests of religion, social order and a sound state of soci- 
ety. On his resignation he was appointed a counsellor of the common- 
wealth and continued to impart his salutary advice and shed around 
him a benign influence until the king of terrors closed his useful career 
on the nth of May 1814. Calm and resigned he slept in death. He 
entered Jordan's flood with a full assurance of being hailed with the 
joyful sentence-" Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into 
the joys of thy Lord." If the bright examples here presented fail to 
benefit the reader his virtue and patriotism are paralyzed. 

In the life of Judge Paine we have a picture which the Christian, 
patriot, jurist and statesmen may contemplate with delightful pleasure 



288 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Because he administered the laws strictly some called him harsh but 
no one dared accuse him of injustice. His integrity was beyond the 
reach of slander and the assaults of malice. From his solicitude to di- 
rect a wayward son in the paths of rectitude he was reported unkind to 
his family. The tale was as false as the heart was base that originated 
it. He was all kindness and affection. His anxiety for the welfare 
and usefulness of this very son is proof of the deepest paternal regard. 
He was a friend to common school education and the sciences. He 
was the founder of the American Academy of Massachusetts in 1780. 
The degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by the Cambridge Uni- 
versity. 

Mr. Paine was a striking example of the happy results of persever- 
ance and industry. He became greatly useful and acquired his fame 
without the aid of patrons in early life-rising by his own exertions and 
supplying the wants of his destitute and aged parents to the day of 
their death. His career in public and private life was marked with the 
purest integrity, the loftiest patriotism, the strictest morality, the most 
refined consistency and the most exemplary piety. His life was a con- 
tinued round of usefulness-his labors a blessing to mankind-his death a 
loss that was keenly felt by his personal friends and the nation at large. 
A review of his bright examples affords the highest eulogy that can be 
pronounced upon his character. They will be held in veneration to 
the remotest period of truth-telling time by all who revere virtue and 
love Liberty. 



JOHN PENN. 

A FEDERAL republican government is an unlimited partnersnip of the 
noblest character. Based upon an equality of original representative 
stock, an equality of interest in the welfare of the firm devolves upon 
each individual of the compact. Unlike monopolizing corporations 
that often make the poor poorer and the rich richer-each stockholder 
has a right to speak, vote and act upon all questions in primary meet- 
ings irrespective of the number of shares held. The specie of the firm 
consists in equality of representation, natural rights, protection in per- 
son, property and freedom. These precious coins cannot be dimin- 
ished in quantity or reduced in quality by alloy without courting dan- 
ger. To aid in preserving them pure is the duty of all and should not 
be entrusted to the aspiring/ewj. Separately and collectively each and 
the whole are solemnly bound to pursue all honourable means to ad- 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 289 

vance the general good. Each one is bound to bring every talent into 
use-to leave none in the dark quarry of ignorance, the quagmire of 
negligence or to rust by inertness. The unfaithful steward that had 
but one talent was condemned because he did not put it to use. Who 
can tell what his talents are until he brings them to the light ? Rich 
ores often lie deep. Many men have passed their majority without 
rismg to mediocrity in point of developed intellect and have then sud- 
denly risen, like a blazing meteor and illuminated the world. By seve- 
ral of the signers of the Declaration of Independence this was beauti- 
fully demonstrated. 

Among these was John Penn, born in Caroline county, Virginia, the 
17th of May 1741. He was the only child of Moses Penn who mar- 
ried Catharine, the daughter of John Taylor. The education of the 
son was confined to the commonest of common schools-the only kind 
then in his neighbourhood. A little learning has been called a danger- 
ous thing but the amount taught in some common schools at the pre- 
sent era of light is too small to be dangerous-too limited to do much 
good. The most important branch of the education of that era his 
parents attended to themselves. By example and precept they taught 
him the principles of religion, social virtue and moral honest3^ Upon 
a farm young Penn labored with his sire who had but few books and 
did not desire more. When John was but eighteen years of age his 
father died and left him a small fortune. He had an increasing thirst 
for knowledge but no library fountain at which he could drink and 
drink again until he should have within himself a living stream of 
mental light. He communicated his ardent desire to improve his edu- 
cation to his neighbor and relative, Edmund Pendleton who was a pro- 
found lawyer and an able statesman. Convinced that young Penn 
possessed strong native talent he made him welcome to his valuable 
library and became deeply interested in his improvement. After ex- 
ploring the fields of general science this young philomath commenced 
the study of law with his relative and brought out mental ores from his 
long neglected intellectual quarry of a rare and rich variety. Mr. 
Pendleton was delighted with his pupil and the pupil delighted in pleas- 
ing him. 

Mr. Penn surmounted the barriers that lay before him with an aston- 
ishing rapidity. Before some of his friends supposed he had mastered 
the elementary principles of Blackstone he presented himself at the 
court for examination-was admitted to the Bar and at once exhibited 
the bright plumage of a successful lawyer. But three years previous 
his now soaring talents were buried deep in their native quarry-un- 
37 



290 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

known anH unsuspected-a strong admonition to every reader under 
similar circumstances to examine closely the quarry of his own im- 
mortal mind. The professional eminence of Mr. Penn rose as rapidly 
as his appearance in the forum was surprising. He gained the confi- 
dence of the community, the respect of the courts and the esteem of his 
senior brethren. In 1763 he doubled his original stock in the firm of 
the social compact by leading to the hymenial altar the amiable and 
accomplished Susannah Lyme-thus avoiding the hyemal frost that 
creeps chillingly over lonely bachelors. 

In 1774 Mr. Penn removed to North Carolina. Carrying with him 
a high legal reputation he soon obtained a lucrative practice. He had 
participated largely in the patriotic feelings that were spreading over 
the Colonies like an autumn fire on a prairie. He had fully imbibed 
the principles of his venerable preceptor who was one of the boldest of 
the bold Virginians in the vindication of chartered rights and was a 
member of the general Congress of 1774. The liberal views and splen- 
did talents of Mr. Penn were soon appreciated by his new acquain- 
tances. On the 8th of September 1775 he was appointed to the Conti- 
nental Congress and repaired to the post of duty and honor the ensuing 
month. He became an active and prominent member of that vene- 
rated assembly of sages whose wisdom, sagacity and intelligence em- 
blazoned the historic page with a new and more brilliant lustre. He 
served on numerous committees and acquitted himself with great credit 
in the discharge of every duty that devolved upon him. In the com- 
mittee room, in the House, among the people-in every situation in 
which he moved he made the cause of liberty his primary business. So 
highly were his services appreciated by his constituents that they con- 
tinued him in Congress until the accumulating dangers that were 
threatening his own state induced him to decline a re-election in 1779. 
He was an early and warm supporter of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. When the joyful day arrived to take the final question he most 
cheerfully and boldly sustained it by his vote and signature-enrolling 
his namewith the brightest constellation of illustrious statesmen that ever 
illuminated a legislative chamber. 

South OaroUna had been devastated by Lord Cornwallis who was 
preparing to carry destruction to North Carolina. Emissaries from 
the British were already within its precincts to prepare the way for 
the triumphant entry of the cruel foe. Already had the friends of 
royal power received instructions to seize the most prominent whigs 
and the military stores with an assurance of immediate support. The 
cruelties that had been practised in South Carolina carried terror to all 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 291 

but hearts of oak. The sacrifice of Col. Hayne at Charleston iu that 
state, will give the reader a faint idea of the spirit of demoniac revenge 
that characterized some of the refined and christianized British officers. 

When that city fell into his hands, Lord Cornwallis issued a procla- 
mation promising all who would desist from opposing the authority of 
the king the most sacred protection of person and property on condition 
that each should sign an instrument of neutrality which obligated the 
signers not to take up arms against the mother country and exonerated 
them from serving against their own. Being a prisoner and separated 
from his wife and six small children then residing in the country-his 
lady confined with the small pox-Col. Hayne fiitally signed the fatal 
instrument with great reluctance upon the solemn assurance of the 
highly civilized and professedly christianized English officers and 
James Simpson-intendant of British police, that he should never be 
required to bear arms in support of the crown. Like Bishop Cran- 
mer, Col. Hayne subscribed to that which his soul detested that he 
might fly to the relief of his suffering family. As in the case of Bishop 
Cranmer his enemies pursued him with a relentless persecution that 
nothing but death could allay-a persecution that would have made the 
untutored Indian shudder at broken faith and weep tears of blood over 
violated vows. It was a total disregard of law, justice and humanity. 

Soon after his return to his dying wife and little ones the British 
called at his house and ordered him into the army of the mother coun- 
try and threatened him with close confinement if he refused. In vain 
he referred them to the conditions upon which he so reluctantly signed 
the article of neutrality. In vain he claimed protection under the pro- 
vincial militia law that imposed a fine when a citizen chose not to 
render personal service. To his relentless oppressors all was a dead 
letter. He pointed them to the wife of his bosom-the mother of his 
children-sinking under the small pox and rapidly approaching another 
world. Their sympathy was sealed-their compassion frozen up. In a 
few short hours Mrs. Hayne closed her eyes in death. She rested in 
peace. A different fate was in reserve for the afflicted husband. The 
order to enter the British army must be obeyed or immediate imprison- 
naent would follow. By the violation of the pledges made to him on 
their part he correctly considered himself absolved from all obligations 
to the officers of the crown. He at once entered the American army, 
preferring death to the ranks of the invaders. A brilliant but short 
career in the service of his country awaited him. He was soon made 
a prisoner and sent to Charleston where Lord Rawdon, a general 
of his most Christian majesty, loaded him with irons-submitted him to 



292 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

a mock trial-ex parte in its proceedings and conclusions-based on re- 
venge and cruelty, resolved on the speedy and ignominious death of his 
victim. Col. Hayne was sentenced to be hung. Amazement and dis- 
may, nidignation and surprise were strongly manifested by all classes. 
A large proportion of the friends of the crown deemed the transaction 
a species of murder. A petition-headed by the royal governor and 
numerously signed by persons of high standing who still adhered to the 
mother country was presented to Lord Rawdon in behalf of the unfor- 
tunate prisoner but all in vain. 

" Still revenge sat brooding on his dark and sullen brow 
And the grim fiends of hell urged his soul on to murder." 

The ladies of Charleston-wives and daughters of royalists and whigs, 
then united in a petition couched in the most moving language-praying 
that the life of Col. Hayne might be spared. This met with a cold 
reception and peremptory refusal. As a last effort to rescue their father 
from the gallows-his infant children, dressed in deep mourning and 
bathed in tears, were led before Lord Rawdon. Upon their knees, with 
their suffused eyes fixed upon him, they addressed the monster in a strain 
of heart-moving eloquence that none but infant innocents can express- 
none but fiends resist. " Our mother is dead-spare ! ! spare our dear 
father ! ! ! 

■' But still he stood unmoved, 
Hard as the adamantine rock, 
Dark as a sullen cloud before the sun." 

So melting was this scene that veteran soldiers wept aloud and all were 
astounded at the demoniac course of the blood thirsty and relentless 
Rawdon. A request was then made that Col. Hayne might be permitted 
to die as a military officer and not hung as a felon. This was also 
denied. As a devout Christian the martyr resigned himself to his cruel 
fate and prepared his mind for the approaching crisis. His little son 
was permitted to visit him in prison. When he saw his father loaded 
with irons he burst into tears. The parent remarked to him, " Why will 
you break my heart with unavailing sorrow 1 Have I not often told you 
that we came into this world to prepare for a better? For that better 
life, dear boy, your father is prepared. Instead of weeping, rejoice with 
me that my troubles are so near an end. To-morrow I set out for im- 
mortality. When I am dead bury me by the side of your mother." No 
imagination can fully conceive-no fancy can truly paint-no pen clearly 
portray, no language can half express the heart rending reality of that 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 293 

last sad Interview between the father and his son. When upon the fatal 
drop with the accursed halter around his neck-Col. Hayne shook hands 
with his friends-bade them an affectionate farewell-urged them to perse- 
vere in the glorious cause of freedom-recommended his children to the 
protection of three gentlemen present and the next moment was struggling 
in death. The sight was too much for his son-his brain became dis- 
ordered-his reason fled-he died insane. With his expiring breath he 
faintly whispered-" ./¥y mother is dead .'-Spare! 0! spare my dear 
father!! r 

Fortunately for North Carolina the efficient and sagacious Greene 
with his brave officers and half clad soldiers checked the triumphant and 
murderous career of the British army. The operations of this brave 
General were greatly accelerated by Mr. Penn. In 1780, when Lord 
Cornwallis penetrated the western part of the state to Charlottetown, the 
crisis became alarming and this bold patriot was placed at the helm of 
public affairs with almost unlimited power. He was authorized to seize 
supplies by force and do all things that he deemed necessary to repel the 
invading foe. He proved equal to the emergency. He knew his duty 
and performed it with such discretion and prudence that no complaints 
of injustice were heard. The state was saved from a merciless enemy- 
Tarleton was humbled-Ferguson killed and Cornwallis put on his back 
track at double quick time. 

After discharging the duties imposed by his own state Mr. Penn 
retired to private life and the pursuit of his profession. In 1784 he was 
appointed Receiver of Taxes for North Carolina-a high encomium upon 
his reputation for integrity. Fatigued with public service he resigned 
this office in a few months. He then bid a final farewell to the perplexing 
duties of political life and took his exit from the public arena decked with 
a civic wreath of unfading honor. He again entered into the soul- 
cheering enjoyments of domestic felicity which were soon exchanged 
for those of another and brighter world. In September 1788 he was 
gathered to his fathers and laid in the silent tomb there to await the 
resurrection of the great day. He was cut down just as he began to 
enjoy the fruits of his labors-in the prime of life and left a vacuum in 
society not readily filled. His grave was moistened with tears-a nation 
mourned his loss. 

In all the relations of private life and public action Mr. Penn was a 
model of rare perfection. As a counsellor and advocate he stood on a 
commanding eminence. His forensic eloquence was strongly pathetic. 
The court and jury were often suffused with tears when listening to his 
appeals. As a patriot and statesman he stood approved bv his country. 



294 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

His disposition was mild and benevolent-iiis purposes pure and firm. 
He was a good and iionest man. Let the young men wiio are just step- 
ping .on the stage of action imitate John Penn in his successful efforts to 
be useful. Banish the doctrine that power shall be monopolized by a 
few. This principle should never gain credence in a republican govern- 
ment where every individual is equally interested in the cardinal points 
o^ heedom— personal liberty equally secured-personal rights equally enjoyed. 
So long as these points are fully exemplified our UNION is safe. 



JOSIAH QUINCY. 

The magic power of the press cannot be too highly appreciated nor 
its abuses too deeply deprecated. The newspapers of the day have 
become the controlling power of public opinion. No course of reading 
so fully presents the present aspect of society. Were all our editors 
governed by lofty patriotism, sound logic, strict justice, enlarged 
philanthropy, universal charity, moral courage, sterling integrity and 
undeviating courtesy-a harmonious tone would be given to community 
that would usher in the day-spring of transporting harmony. But few 
of the editorial corps seem to feel the high responsibility resting upon 
them. Too many are the automatons of political parties and issue sheets 
not calculated to improve the mind, correct the head or better the heart. 
The politics of the present day have become disgusting to genuine 
patriots who deem the good of their country paramount to party triumph. 
Demagogues discard the old landmarks of '76. Many of our laws are 
based upon party principles without reference to the good of our country- 
a very sandy foundation. Let editors banish all party control and 
venality from the press and send forth rays of living light that will purify 
our political and moral atmosphere-then our government will be health- 
ful, vigorous and strong. 

The silken cords of our Union have been strained to their utmost 
tension several times. We have an accumulating mass of combustible 
materials in our midst. Our bond of Union has been put at issue by 
the meddlesome and sensitive-the fanaticism of the one part and the 
boiling passions of the other are encouraged by demagogues-the virtue 
of the people can alone preserve it. A little more steam upon the loco- 
motive of disunion-a little more fuel from the north and fire from the 
south may burst the boiler and destroy the beautiful engine of our. Li- 
berty. More than any other class-editors can insure the perpetuity 
of our UNION. Let conductors of the public press soar above all 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 295 

selfish and demagogue influences and become shining examples of pu- 
rity in the broadest sense of the term. Tlien our tree of Liberty will 
continue to rise in majesty sublime and as it towers upward will send 
forth flashes of light upon the oppressed millions of the old world who 
will yet rise in all the might of their native dignity-demolish the thrones 
of monarchs-sing the requiem of tyrants and strike for FREEDOM-the 
crowning glory of man. 

All the patriots of the American Revolution whose opinions we 
know, deprecated the venality of the press. Among the pioneer sages 
was Josiah Quincy who was born in Boston, Mass. in 1745. In child- 
hood he manifested unusual talents which were highly cultivated in 
Harvard College where he graduated with high honors. He then read 
law and became an ornament to the Boston bar. His eloquence was 
of that commanding kind that at once rivets the attention of an 
audience. His logic was forcible, his demonstrations clear, his argu- 
ments convincing, his conclusions happy, his action captivating. A 
bright career was apparently before him which gave promise of exten- 
sive usefulness to his country and honor to himself. 

He was among the first to espouse the cause of the oppressed Colo- 
nies. He was one of the boldest champions of the people. He 
had their confidence, esteem and admiration. Although surrounded 
and threatened by the myrmidons of the crown he fearlessly and pub- 
licly opposed the unrighteous pretensions of the British ministry. He 
lucidly pointed out the various innovations upon chartered rights that 
had become sacred by long enjoyment and repeatedly sanctioned by 
declaratory Acts of Parliament. Had the colonists tamely surrendered 
themthey would have been unworthy of the rights of freemen. Thank 
God— they did not surrender them. Anxious to maintain them peacea- 
bly, they sent Mr. Quincy to England in 1774 for the purpose of 
reconciling existing difficulties. Among the people he found many 
who deprecated the course of ministers-a respectable minority of the 
eminent British statesmen considered the advisers of the king visionary 
in their plans-unreasonable in their demands. Finding that mother 
Britain was madly bent on ruin Mr. Quincy left for his native land. 
He reached Cape Ann Harbor on the 25th of April 1775 and died the 
same day deeply mourned by a nation just bursting into life. 

His course was brilliant but transient. Like some rich flowers that 
bloom at distant periods only for a short time-so bloomed this distin- 
guished patriot-then disappeared for ever from the human gaze. He 
bloomed long enough to richly perfume the atmosphere of patriotisni 
around him and rouse those to action who inhaled the rich perfumes of 



296 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Liberty emitted from his noble soul. With such men as Josiah Quincy 
our Press would be pure-our UNION safe. 



GEORGE READ. 

When an individual is presented with both horns of the dilemma- 
Liberty or slavery-the one to be obtained with blood-the other a tame 
submission to chains-if he is worthy the name of MAN-his mental and 
physical powers are at once roused to action. He does not stop to ex- 
plore the avenues of obtuse metaphysics, speculative dogmas or fasti- 
dious etiquette. He flies to first principles and strains his reason and 
genius to their utmost tension to aid him. He puts forth his mightiest 
efforts-boldest exertions-strongest energies to extricate himself from 
surrounding difficulties-impending dangers. He performs astonishing 
feats rather than become a serf and surmounts the cloud-capped sum- 
mit of an Alpine barrier that he would have never reached under ordi- 
nary circumstances. 

The same proposition may be extended to a nation. The history of 
the American Revolution demonstrates it most clearly. The colonists 
were placed upon the piercing horns of an awful dilemma-apparently 
doomed to slavery or death. By their unparalleled efforts, crowned 
with the blessing of God, they were ultimately delivered from their 
perilous situation and survived the gores and bruises received in the 
unequal conflict. This was effected by men of strong intellect, clear 
heads, good hearts and sound judgments-men of strong moral courage 
who could reason, plan, execute. The Jloicers of literature were not 
then culled to form a boquet for legislative halls. Plain common sense, 
sterling worth, useful knowledge, practical theorems, honesty of pur- 
pose, energy of action-all based upon pure patriotism and love of Li- 
berty were the grand requisites to ensure popular favor. 

All these were concentrated in George Read who was the son of 
John Read a wealthy and respectable planter who came from Dublin, 
Ireland and located in Cecil County, Maryland, where George was 
born in 1734. The father subsequently removed to Newcastle County, 
Delaware and placed this son in a school at Chester, Pennsylvania, 
where he received his primary tuition. From there he was transferred 
to the seminary of Rev. Dr. Allison who was eminently qualified to 
mould the mind for usefulness by imparting correct and liberal princi- 
ples, practical knowledge and general intelligence fit for every day use- 
combining the whole with refined classics and polite literature. Under 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 297 

this accomplished teacher Mr. Read completed his education and at the 
age of seventeen commenced the study of law under John Moland a 
distinguished member of the Philadelphia bar. So astonishing was his 
proficiency that he was admitted to the practice of his profession at the 
age of nineteen with a better knowledge of the elements of law than 
some practitioners obtain through life. He was also well prepared to 
enter upon the practice of his profession, having had the entire charge 
of Mr. Moland's business for several months. He was one of those 
rare geniuses that seemed endowed with intuition. 

He commenced a successful practice at Newcastle in 1754 and at 
once grappled with old and experienced counsellors. His thorough 
knowledge of the primary principles of law, his acuteness in pleading, 
his urba'nity of manners, his noble and courteous bearing in court, 
gained for him the esteem and confidence of the judges, his senior 
brethren and of the community. As a natural consequence his prac- 
tice soon became lucrative. His forte did not consist in a flowery show 
but in a deep-toned and grave forensic eloquence that informs the un- 
derstanding and carries conviction to the mind. He rarely appealed 
to the passions of court or jury-preferring to stand upon the legitimate 
basis of the law clearly expounded-the testimony honestly stated. 

On the 13th of April 1763 he was appointed Attorney General for 
the three lower counties of Delaware and held the office until called to 
the duties of legislation. The same year he led to the hymeneal altar 
an amiable, pious and accomplished daughter of the Rev. George Ross 
of Newcastle-thus adding largely to the stake he held in the welfare of 
his country-enhancing his earthly joys and giving him an influence and 
rank in society unknown to lonely bachelors. She fully supplied the 
vacuum abhorred by nature and proved a consolation to him amidst 
the toils, perils, pains and pleasures of subsequent life. 

Mr. Read was a republican to the core. From the commencement 
to the close of the Revolution he was a bold and unyielding advocate 
of equal rights and liberal principles. When the questions in dispute 
assumed the form of serious discussion between the two countries he 
at once resigned the office of Attorney General held under the crown. 
In 1765 he was elected a member of the Delaware Assembly and was 
instrumental in laying deep the foundations of the superstructure of 
Liberty. He was prudent, calm and discreet in all his actions-but 
firm, bold and resolute. He was a member of the committee of the 
Delaware Assembly that so ably addressed the king upon the subject 
of grievances and redress. He was in favor of exhausting the maga- 
zine of petition and reinonstrance-if to no purpose then to replenish 
38 



298 THE SAGES A. N D HEROES 

with powJer and ball. He did not nor did any of the Signers of the 
Declaration originally contemplate a dissolution of the ties that bound 
the Colonies to the mother country. They could not believe until " the 
death" forced the truth upon them-that ministers would commit politi- 
cal suicide. This done, as Americans are proverbial for humanity and 
decency the compound felo de se was interred with a calm dignified 
solemnity. 

Mr. Read and his coadjutors understood the rights secured by Magna 
Charta and the Constitution of England and knew that those rights 
were trampled upon by the hirelings of the crown. To vindicate them 
was his firm resolve. He knew and weighed well the superior physical 
powers of the oppressors but he believed the majesty of eternal justice 
and the kind aid of Heaven would be vouchsafed to sustain the patriots 
in their struggle to sustain their inalienable rights. He believed the 
project of taxation without representation to pamper royal corruption 
to be so heinous that the scheme would be crushed by the blighting 
curse of an offended Deity. Nor did he err in his reasonable conclu- 
sions. That curse came with the force of a sweeping avalanche-Brit- 
ish power was annihilated in America. 

On the 17th of August 1769 he published an appeal to his constitu- 
ents, calling upon them to resist the encroachments of tyranny. Its 
language was bold and forcible, portraying in colors deep and strong 
their rights and wrongs, pointing out the path of duty so plain that a 
tory need not have erred therein. This talismanic production sealed 
the fate of British power in patriotic Delaware-small in size but a giant 
in action. The hirelings of the crown saw the writing upon many 
walls and were suddenly attacked with a Belshazzar tremor and found 
no balance in America to restore an equilibrium. 

Mr. Read sanctioned the various non-importation resolutions passed 
by his own and other Colonies. This was the first measure adopted to 
negative the designs of ministers by refraining from the use of all taxa- 
ble articles whether of luxuries or daily consumption. Had the colo- 
nists not presented so bold a front at the onset the non-importation 
resolutions would have probably been paralyzed by an Act of Parlia- 
ment compelling them to use the taxable articles in quantities so large 
that the accruing revenue would have enabled the cabinet to revel in 
profligacy. 

He was chairman of the committee of twelve appointed by the people 
of Newcastle on the 29th of June 1771 to obtain subscriptions for the 
Boston sufferers, then writhing under the lash of the infamous Port Bill 
passed by Parliament for the purpose of chastising the refractory "re- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 299 

bels" of that patriotic city. In February following he had the exqui- 
site pleasure of remitting nine hundred dollars to them. The receipt 
was eloquently acknowledged by Samuel Adams who was one of his 
faithful correspondents. 

Mr. Read was a member of the Congress of 1774 and continued a 
member during the Revolution. He was also President of the Conven- 
tion that formed the first Constitution of Delaware in 1776, He was a 
member of the Delaware Assembly for twelve years in succession and 
a portion of that time Vice President of the state. In the autumn of 
1777 President M'Kinley fell into the hands of the enemy which com- 
pelled Mr. Read to leave Congress for a season and perform the duties 
of Chief Magistrate of his state. On his way home with his family he 
was compelled to pass through Jersey. In crossing the Delaware from 
Saleni his boat was discovered by those on board the British fleet then 
lying just below. An armed barge was sent in pursuit. Mr. Read's 
boat stuck in the mud and was soon overtaken. By effacing the marks 
upon his baggage before he was boarded and having with him his wife 
and children he convinced those from the fleet he was a country gen- 
tleman on his way to his farm and solicited their assistance to put him 
and his family on shore. They cheerfully complied with his request 
and landed him and his precious charge safely on the Delaware side of 
the river. The open frankness and calmness of himself and lady saved 
them from the horrors of a prison-ship and probably him from an exhi- 
bition upon the yard-arm of a man of war. 

The duties of Chief Magistrate of his state were very imposing at 
that time. Internal dissensions were to be reconciled-an intercourse 
by many of the inhabitants with the British fleet to be broken up-ways 
and means for his own and the general government to be provided and 
some plan devised to procure the release of the President. A conquer- 
ing foe was flushed with victory In all directions. In the midst of all 
these perils he stood firmly at the helm and outrode every storm. He 
proved equal to every emergency and added fresh lustre to his growing 
fame. 

When the Declaration of Independence was under discussion he be- 
lieved the measure premature but when adopted he cheerfully placed 
his name on this monument of fame. In 1779 ill health compelled him 
to retire from the public arena for a year when he again resumed his 
legislative duties. In 1782 he was appointed a judge of appeals in the 
Court of Admiralty. In 1785 he was one of the commissioners to 
settle the boundary line between New York and Massachusetts, The 
next year he was a delegate to the convention of states convened at 



300 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Annapolis to regulate the Commerce of the Union. In 1787 he was 
one of that talented convention that framed the Federal Constitution. 
He was a Senator in the first Congress convened under that Constitu- 
tion and served six years. He was Chief Justice of Delaware from 
1793 to the time of his death. Upon the Bench he had few equals and 
no superior. In all these responsihle stations he acquitted himself 
nobly and did honor to his country and the cause of rational freedom. 

The person of Mr. Read was above the middle size, well formed with 
a commanding and agreeable deportment. He was scrupulously ho- 
nest, rigidly just. When he arrived at his majority he assigned his 
portion of the paternal estate to his brothers, deeming the expenses of 
his education equivalent to his share. He was systematic even in the 
smallest concerns of life. He abhorred vice of every kind. He en- 
joyed good health in his old age up to the autumn of 1798 when, after 
a sudden and short illness, he closed his eyes on terrestrial scenes and 
resigned his spirit into the hands of the wise Disposer of all events. 

As a civilian, statesman, magistrate, patriot, philanthropist, gentle- 
man, husband, father, citizen and public benefactor-George Read was 
a model worthy of all admiration and the exactest imitation. All who 
imitate his noble career will go for the UNION forever. 



C^SAH RODNEY. 

Genealogy was once a kind of titular idol hel^ in great veneration. 
The biographer made it his first stepping-stone-one of the main pillars 
of his superstructure. In countries where the iron sceptre of mon- 
archy is still swayed-where titles of honor create lineal dignity with- 
out regard to merit-where blood is analyzed by political chemistry and 
all the precipitants are rejected but the carbonate of noble and royal 
pedigree-where the crown descends upon a non compos mentis incum- 
bent with the same certainty that it reaches a man of good intellect- 
genealogy is still measurably the criterion by which to determine the 
importance and weight of character. As light and intelligence shed 
their benignant rays upon mankind the deference paid to this titular 
phantom will be diminished. Where rational liberty reigns triunnphant 
merit alone creates dignity. The man is measured by his actions-not 
by the purple fluid in his veins or conduct of his relations. In our free 
country genealogy is a matter of curiosity-not of veneration. The son 
of a coal cracker or cobbler can rise to the highest station within the 
gift of the people by the force of talent and merit. I am aware that the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 301 

aristocracy of wealth is a noxious weed that spreads its deleterious 
branches through our cities and large towns but not yet so widely and 
luxuriant as to prevent merit and genius from acquiring a rapid and 
healthful growth. In times of danger and peril its power will be les- 
sened in the same ratio that these increase. In an atmosphere purely 
republican it withers and dies. 

But few families in these United States' can trace their ancestors so 
far back as the Rodneys of Delaware. They came into England with 
the Norman queen Maud [Matilda] in 1141 and were among the 
bravest military chieftains who led in the Norman conquest. At all 
subsequent periods they were prominent in directing the destinies of 
Britain. To those who are conversant with the history of the various 
periods of public commotion in that kingdom-the name of Sir Walter 
de Rodney is familiar, with many others of the same lineage. They 
were able in council and war. They were conspicuous in the civil, 
military and naval departments and received the highest honors that 
could be awarded to their rank by kings and queens. They were 
marked for magnanimity and liberal views. 

Under the auspices of William Penn William Rodney came to Phila- 
delphia who was a branch of this ancient family. He was the son of 
William Rodney of England and settled in Kent, Delaware. His mo- 
ther, Alice, was the daughter of Sir Thomas Caesar a wealthy English 
merchant. William Rodney left one son, Caesar, who was the father 
of the subject of this biographette. This son was born at Dover, Kent 
county, Delaware in 1730. He received a good education and inher- 
ited a large real estate from his father. He possessed a strong and 
penetrating mind, firmness of purpose, decision of character, an abun- 
dant share of keen wit and good humor, a large stock of experimental 
intelligence and practical knowledge with discretion to know how, 
when and where to bring these important qualities into action. With 
endowments like these Mr. Rodney spread his canvass to the popular 
breeze and commenced his voyage of public life. His cabin stores 
were purely republican and liberal in quantity. 

In 1758 he became high sheriff of his native county and discharged 
his duties in a manner that gained for him the confidence and esteem of 
the citizens generally. At the expiration of his term he was appointed a 
Justice of the Peace and a judge of the lower courts. In October 1762 
he took his seat in the Legislature at Newcastle and became an active 
and influential member. He was one of the committee that prepared the 
answer to the message of the governor and was on other important com- 
mittees. At the close of the session he was put in possession of the 



302 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

great seal to be affixed to the laws that had been passed at that 
term. 

When the rights of the Colonies were infringed by assumptions of 
arrogated power on the part of mother Britain, Mr. Rodney was among 
the first who took a bold stand in favor of justice. He was a member 
of the Congress that convened at New York in 1765 to remonstrate 
against the Stamp Act and other threatened innovations upon the 
privileges of the Colonies that had been long enjoyed and were guarantied 
by the social compact between the king of Great Britain and his " dutiful 
and most loyal subjects in America." After the Stamp Act was repealed 
Messrs. Rodney, M'Kean and Read were appointed a committee to pre- 
pare an address to the king expressive of the joy produced throughout 
the Colony by this event. It is substantially the same as those prepared 
bv the other Colonies and shows clearly the feelings of loyalty that per- 
vaded the people at that time. The following is the body of the 
address. 

" We cannot help glorying in being the subjects of a king that has 
made the preservation of the civil and religious rights of his people and 
the established constitution the foundation and constant rule of govern- 
ment and the safety, ease and prosperity of his people his chiefest care- 
of a king whose mild and equal administration is sensibly felt and enjoyed 
in the remotest part of his dominions. The clouds which lately hung over 
America are dissipated. Our complaints have been heard and our 
grievances redressed-trade and commerce again flourish. Our hearts 
are animated with the warmest wishes for the prosperity of the mother 
country for which our affection is unbounded and your faithful subjects 
here are transported with joy and gratitude. Such are the blessings we 
may justly expect will ever attend the measures of your Majesty pur- 
suing steadily the united and true interests of all your people throughout 
your wide extended empire assisted with the advice and support of a 
British Parliament and a virtuous and wise ministry. We most humbly 
beseech your Majesty graciously to accept the strongest assurances that 
having the justest sense of the many favors we have received from your 
royal benevolence during the course of your majesty's reign and how 
much of our present happiness is owing to your paternal love and care 
for your people. We will at all times most cheerfully contribute to your 
majesty's service to the utmost of our abilities when your royal requisi- 
tions, as heretofore, shall be made known-that your majesty will always 
find such returns of duty and gratitude from us as the best of kings may 
expect from the most loyal subjects and that we will demonstrate to all 
the world that the support of your majesty's government and the honor 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 303 

and interests of the British nation are our chief care and concern, desiring 
nothing more than the continuance of your wise and excellent constitu- 
tion in the same happy, firtn and envied situation in which it was 
dehvered to us from our ancestors and your majesty's predecessors." 

With the feelings expressed in this address the conclusion is irresis- 
tible that nothing but the most cruel oppressions could have driven the 
American people to a revolution. A similar expression of feeling was 
sent to the king from ail the Colonies. 

" Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad." 

So with the British ministry-they were madly bent on reducing their 
American brethren to unconditional subjection and after a short interval 
commenced a system of oppression upon a broader, bolder scale. Again* 
the people appealed to their king-but appealed in vain. Mr. Rodney 
was upon the committee that prepared a second address to his majesty 
just before the Revolution in the following language : 

" The sense of our deplorable condition will, we hope, plead with 
your majesty in our behalf for the freedom we take in dutifully remon- 
strating against the proceedings of a British Parliament-confessedly the 
wisest and greatest assembly upon earth. But if our fellow subjects of 
Great Britain, who derive no authority from us, who cannot, in our 
humble opinion, represent us and to whom we will not yield in loyalty 
and affection to your majesty, can, at their will and pleasure, of right 
giye and grant away our property-if they can enforce an implicit 
obedience to every order or act of theirs for that purpose and deprive all 
or any of the Assemblies on this continent of the power of legislation for 
differing with them in opinion in matters which intimately affect their 
rights and interests and everything that is dear and valuable to English- 
men-we cannot imagine a case more miserable-we cannot think we 
shall have the shadow of Liberty left. We conceive it to be an inherent 
right in your majesty's subjects, derived to them from God and nature- 
handed down by their ancestors-confirmed by your royal predecessors 
' and the constitution, in person or by their representatives, to give and 
to grant to their sovereign those things which their own labor and their 
own cares have acquired and saved and in such proportions and at such 
times as the national honor and interest may require. Your majesty's 
faithful subjects of this government have enjoyed this inestimable privilege 
uninterrupted, from its first existence till of late. They have at all times 
cheerfully contributed to the utmost of their abilities for your majesty's 
service as often as your royal requisition was made known and thev 
cannot, but with the greatest uneasiness and distress of mind, part with 



304 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the power of demonstrating their loyalty and affection for their beloved 
king." 

.Addresses similar to this were laid before the king from all the Colo- 
nies and from the Congress of 1774. The struggle between loyal 
allection and a submission to wrongs was truly agonizing. This affec- 
tion and the physical weakness of the Colonies are proof strong as holy 
writ that British oppression was raised to the zenith of cruelty. The 
history of the American Revolution should be a striking lesson in all 
future time to those in power not to draw the cords of authority too 
tightly. It affords a cheering example to all persons to resist every en- 
croachment upon their liberty. 

In 1769 Mr. Rodney was chosen speaker of the Assembly of Dela- 
,ware and continued to fill the chair for several years with honor and 
dignity. Among other things he introduced an amendment to a bill 
relative to slaves, prohibiting their importation into the Colony. So 
ably did he advocate this humane proposition that it was lost only, by 
two votes. The same philanthropic feeling was increasing through the 
slave states until England, by her emissary Dr. Thompson, sowed the 
seeds of abolition broadcast in our country for the express purpose of 
dissolving our Union and of destroyirfg the only republic Europe fears. 
Digging around the roots of a decaying tree often revives it. Honest 
men may err. 

As the specks of war began to concentrate Mr. Rodney became one 
of the most active opposers of British tyranny. Excepting a short 
interval he was a member of Congress from 1774 to 1776 and took a 
conspicuous part in the general business and discussions of that august 
body. In his own province he had much to do. The royal attach- 
ments were deeply rooted. It required greater exertions to thwart the 
intrigues of foes within than to repel the attacks of enemies without. 
In addition to his duties of speaker of the Delaware Assembly and 
member of Congress those of brigadier-general of militia devolved 
on him. His numerous messages to his legislature and letters to his 
officers urging them to decisive action manifested great industry, clear- 
ness of perception, firmness of purpose and patriotic zeal. He was in 
favor of the Declaration of Independence from its first inception. The 
day previous to the final decision upon this important measure he was 
in Delaware devising means to arrest the career of certain Tories in 
the lower end of the province. Mr. McKean informed him by express 
of the approaching crisis. He immediately mounted his horse and ar- 
rived at Philadelphia just in time to dismount and enter the hall of Con- 
gress and give his vote for Liberty and affix his name to that bold 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 305 

instrument that dissolved allegiance to England's king and created a 
compact of freemen. 

In the autumn of 1776 the Tories defeated his election to Congress. 
With increasing zeal he entered the field of military operations. He 
repaired to Princeton soon after the brave Haslet and Mercer fell, 
fighting for the cause of justice and freedom. He remained with the 
army two months and received the approval of Washington expressed 
in the following letter written from Morristown, N. J. on the 18th of 
February 1777. 

" The readiness with which you took the field at the period most cri- 
tical to our affairs-the industry you used in bringing out the militia of 
Delaware State and the alertness observed by you in forwarding troops 
to Trenton-reflect the highest honor on your character and place your 
attachment to the cause in the most distinguished point of view. They 
claim my sincerest thanks and I am happy in this opportunity in giving 
them to you." 

On his return he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court orga- 
nized under the new order of things. He declined serving believing he 
could be more useful in some other sphere. About that time an open 
insurrection broke out in Sussex County in his State. He immediately 
repaired to the scene of insubordination and quelled it with only the 
appearance of force. At the time the British were preparing to march 
from the Chesapeake to the Brandywine he was stationed south of the 
American army for the purpose of throwing his force between the 
enemy and their shipping. In the field and in the legislative hall he 
was alike active. 

In December 1777 he was again elected to Congress. The legisla- 
ture of his State being in session he concluded to remain until it rose. 
Before its adjournment he was elected President of Delaware which 
prevented him from serving in the national legislature. His services 
in his new station were of great importance. His exertions in raising 
supplies for the army were of the most vigorous character-especially 
during the winter and spring of 1779 when the troops were often on 
half allowance and the magazines so bare that it seemed impossible to 
sustain the army a single week. During the four years he directed the 
destinies of Delaware he had many refractory spirits to manage-many 
difficult questions to decide that brought into useful action his prudence, 
wisdom and firmness. Upon his own matured judgment he relied. So 
well did he balance the scales of justice that he gained the admiration 
of his friends and the approval of his enemies. The affairs of the 
State were never in better hands. 
39 



306 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Mr. Rodney was remarkably fond of a good joke if inoffensive and 
chaste. He often exhibited brilliant displays of wit but was extremely 
careful of personal feelings. When in Congress Mr. Harrison had 
often called Virginia the Dominion of the Colonies. When threatened 
with invasion by the enemy he asked immediate aid to protect her from 
the approaching foe. When he sat down Mr. Rodney rose with as- 
sumed gravity and apparent sympathy and assured the gentleman that 
the powerful Do7mnion should be protected-'* Let her be of good cheer- 
she has a friend in need-Dehware will take her under protection and 
insure her safety." The portly Harrison and the skeleton Rodney both 
enjoyed the hit which convulsed the other members with laughter. 

In view of the great amount of business performed by Mr. Rodney 
and his proverbial cheerfulness and playful good humor the reader will 
be astonished to learn that he was afflicted with a cancer upon his nose 
from his youth which spread over one side of his face and compelled 
him to wear a bandage over it for many years before his death. It so 
reduced his flesh that he was a walking skeleton. It terminated his 
active and useful life in 1783. He met death with calm submission and 
Christian fortitude and died rejoicing in the bright prospects that were 
dawning upon the country he dearly loved and had faithfully served. 

Mr. Rodney was naturally of a slender form with an animated coun- 
tenance, easy and polished manners and very agreeable and gentle- 
manly in his intercourse. From his writings he appears to have held 
religion in high veneration and practised the purest morals-producing 
the fruits of righteousness in richer abundance than many who make 
loud pretensions to piety but do not prove their faith by their works. 
He was liberal, kind, benevolent and so strongly sympathetic that he 
was obliged to avoid scenes of physical suffering if possible. He could 
not endure to be in the room of a dying friend or relative. The poor, 
the widow, the orphan, his relatives and friends, his country-all deeply 
mourned the loss of C^sar Rodney. 



GEORGE ROSS. 

Idleness is the tomb of a living man-the progenitor of want, the sub- 
stratum of misery-the fountain of crime. It was scarcely known and 
never countenanced by the pilgrim fathers or revolutionary patriots. 
We now have many among us who had rather be pinched with hun- 
ger and shine in rags than labor. A more numerous and dangerous 
class is composed of gentlemen idlers who pass down the stream of 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 307 

time at the expense of those who constantly pull at the oar. They live 
upon the best, dress finely by borrowing and spunging and when these 
fail they take to swindling, stealing, gambling, robbing and often pass 
on for years before justice overtakes them. So long as they can keep 
up fashionable appearances and elude the kind hearted police whose 
good will they generally have, they are received into the company of 
the upper ten exquisites with marked complacency. By virtue of a fine 
coat, lily hand and graceful bow, which cover more sins than modern 
Christian charity, many an idle knave has been received into fashionable 
circles with eclat and walked rough-shod over a worthy young clerk, 
mechanic or farmer who had too much good sense to act the monkey 
flirtations of an itinerant dandy. When the counting-house, the me- 
chanic shop, the plough and the kitchen fall into disrepute and are sub- 
merged by vain show, pomp and parade-the sun of our country's glory 
will set to rise no more. When the republican simplicity of Greece 
and Rome receded before imported fashions, luxuries and rules of eti- 
quette-when they ceased to call men from the shop and the plough to 
the cabinet and the field-when the women exchanged the kitchen for 
the drawing-room and plainness for extravagance of dress-corruption 
supplanted virtue-the genius of Liberty veiled her face and fled-disso- 
lution followed-RUIN closed the dreadful scene. 

Industry and plainness were marked characteristics of the Sages and 
Heroes of the American Revolution. Among them George Ross stood 
conspicuous. He was born at Newcastle, Delaware, in 1730. He 
was the son of Rev. George Ross, pastor of the Episcopal church at 
that ancient town. Under the instruction of his father the strong na- 
tive talents of George unfolded their richness. At the age of eighteen 
he was a good classical scholar. He then commenced the study of 
law in Philadelphia with an elder brother, John Ross, where he was 
admitted to the Bar in 1751. To have elbow room he located at Lan- 
caster, Pennsylvania-then on the confines of civilization bordering on 
the far west. Noble in his disposition, plain and agreeable in his man- 
ners, learned and diligent in his profession, candid, honest and just in 
his course-he gained the confidence and love of the people and a lucra- 
tive practice. To plant himself more firmly in his new location and 
give additional proof of his good sense, he married Ann Lawler a 
Highly esteemed lady who proved an affectionate and worthy com- 
panion. 

He built his legal fame on the genuine basis-close application to his 
professional business unconnected with public politics. Unfortunately 
for themselves man} young lawyers enter the political arena for the 



308 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

purpose of obtaining professional notoriety and business. This error 
has prevented many talented young men from rising to legal eminence 
in modern times. The Revolution was a different matter. Liberty or 
death was then the issue. Now it is a feigned one. If a young attor- 
ney becomes pledged to a political party he has not a client but a master 
that exacts the most abject, humiliating services with a contingent pro- 
mise to pay in bogus coin. Either his legitimate business or that of 
the party must be neglected. Reflecting men know this. Aware that 
it requires close application to become learned in the law they keep 
aloof from young political lawyers. A few high toned partisans, whose 
tools they are, may employ them in small cases but when they have an 
important one-the studious industrious counsellor who has not inhaled 
the corrupting atmosphere of modern politics is the one employed. A 
word to the wise should be sufficient. 

It was not until long after his location at Lancaster that Mr. Ross 
entered upon his legislative course. The time had arrived when the 
people began to feel the smart of British oppi'ession and became more 
particular in selecting men of known worth and talents to guard their 
interests against the machinations of an avaricious and designing mi- 
nistry. He was elected to the Colonial Assembly in 1768. His repu- 
tation stood high as an able lawyer and a man of liberal views, sound 
judgment and decision of character. His influence was sensibly felt- 
his labors highly appreciated. At that time the legislative body replied 
to the message of the governor in extenso. At his first session Mr. 
Ross was appointed to reply to this document. In respectful but bold 
language he objected to every proposition that he considered impolitic 
or in opposition to the best interests of the people. He was a fearless 
sentinel, a powerful champion in the cause of Liberty. In every lead- 
ing measure in favour of freedom he was a leading man. He was con- 
tinued in the Assembly until he took his seat in Congress in 1774. He 
was upon the committee that reported in favor of sending delegates and 
the man who prepared the instructions of the Assembly to the congres- 
sional delegates. As these are substantially the same as those that 
were given to all instructed delegates I insert them that the reader may 
see that redress of grievances was all that was asked or then antici- 
pated. 

•' The trust reposed in you is of such a nature and the modes of ex- 
ecuting it may be so diversified in the course of your deliberations, that 
it is scarcely possible to give you particular instructions respecting it. 
We shall therefore only in general direct-that you are to meet in Con- 
gress the committees of the several British Colonies at such time and 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 309 

place as shall be generally agreed on, to consult together on the present 
critical and alarming situation and state of the Colonies and that you, 
with them, exert your utmost endeavors to form and adopt a plan which 
shall afford the best prospect of obtaining redress of American griev- 
ances, ascertaining American rights and establishing that union and 
harmony which is most essential to the welfare and happiness of both 
countries. And in doing this you are strictly charged to avoid every- 
thing indecent or disrespectful to the mother state." 

Under instructions like these the first general Congress convened and 
acted. The Colonies used all honorable means to restore harmony- 
more than the British Constitution and common justice required. No- 
thing but an infatuation that makes men blind, deaf and dumb could 
have resisted the appeals and unanswerable arguments in favor of 
chartered rights, showing their violations-that were poured upon the 
king. Parliament" and people of Great Britain from the deep translucent 
fountain of intelligence concentrated in the Congress of 1774. The 
members were determined to clear their own skirts of blood and not 
draw the bow of physical opposition until their arrows were barbed 
with divine wisdom and dipped in the refining fire of eternal justice. 

Mr. Ross was continued in Congress until 1777 when ill health com- 
pelled him to retire. He had rendered great service on numerous com- 
mittees and was listened to with marked attention when he spoke in 
debate. When he could be spared from his place he served in the legis- 
lature of his State where his salutary influence was strongly felt. For 
some time the royal governor and his friends presented a formidable 
opposition. Mr. Ross put his whole weight on the people's end of the po- 
litical lever with his popularity for a fulcrum and greatly aided in hoist- 
ing the tree of monarchy from its deep bed of alluvial corruption. He 
was a member of the convention of his State that commenced the new 
government and on the committee that prepared the declaration of 
rights. He was chairman of the committee that organized the govern- 
ment and of the one that prepared the declaratory ordinance defining 
high treason and misprision of treason and the kind and measure of pun- 
ishment to be inflicted. His high legal knowledge rendered him an 
important member upon such committees. 

Immediately after he closed hjs legislative career the citizens of Lan- 
caster County passed the two following resolutions with great unani 
mity. 

** Resolved-That the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds out of the 
county stock be forthwith transmitted to George Ross [' Honorable' was 
not then republican] one of the members of the Assembly for this county 



310 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

and one of the delegates for this Colony in the Continental Congress 
and that he be requested to accept the same as a testimony from this 
county of their sense of his attendance on public business to his great 
private loss and of their approbation of his conduct. 

" Resolved-That if it be more agreeable, Mr. Ross purchase with pari 
of the said money a genteel piece of plate, ornamented as he thinks 
proper, to remain with him as a testimony of the esteem this county 
has for him by reason of his patriotic conduct in the great struggle for 
American Liberty." 

Here is old fashioned republican simplicity in language and sentiment 
flowing from its native fountain-gratitude strongly felt and plainly 
expressed. It forms a rebuking contrast with the fulsome, hypocritical, 
heartless flattery of modern times showered upon our statesmen by fawn- 
ing sycophants whose gratitude is based alone upon the loaves and fishes 
of favor and office. Mr. Ross declined accepting the gift, assuring the 
committee that waited upon him that he had performed no more than 
his duty and that at such a period all were bound to exert their noblest 
energies to secure that Liberty which would aflbrd a reward more pre- 
cious than gold-more valuable than diamonds. 

On the 19th of July 1779 Mr. Ross was appointed Judge of the Court 
of Admiralty for Pennsylvania. He continued to discharge his duties 
ably until confined by a sudden and excruciating attack of the gout 
which terminated in death the same year he was appointed judge. In 
the full career of life and usefulness-rising on the wings of fame-flushed 
with hopes of Liberty for his country-pressing right onward toward the 
goal of freedom-an arrow from the quiver of death pierced his patriotic 
heart and consigned him to the insatiate tomb near the close of 1779. 
His dust reposes in peace whilst the lustre of his living examples will 
continue to shine and enlighten millions yet unborn. 

In private as in public life Judge Ross stood appro^'ed. admired and 
beloved. No blemish rests upon the fair escutcheon of his name. He 
soared above the vanities of this world and dignified his bright career 
with purity of motive, firmness of purpose, wisdom in action and useful- 
ness to his fellow men and beloved country. Could the lofty patriotism 
that impelled him to enter the thorny arena of politics be imparted to all 
the public men of the present day-tho Federal Constitution would be 
venerated-our government safe-our UNION preserved. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 311 



BENJAMIN RUSH. 

Benevolence is a celestial quality imparting consolation to its possessor 
and the recipient of benefits bestowed. It renders its favors valuable by 
the delicacy with which they are conveyed. Those who most merit the 
aid of the benevolent are usually possessed of fine feeling. The subjects 
of real misfortune-they are the keenly sensitive and dread the approach 
of those who carry a speaking trumpet or a public scroll to proclaim to 
the world the alms they have bestowed. 

Pure benevolence falls upon its object like the dew on drooping flowers- 
not at the blaze of noon day but in the stillness of night. Its refreshing 
effects are felt, seen and admired— not the hand that distilled it. It flows 
from a good heart and looks beyond the skies for an approving smile. 
It never opens but seeks to heal the wounds of misfortune. It never 
ruffles but seeks to calm the troubled mind. Like their Lord and 
Master-the truly benevolent go about doing good. No parade-no trumpet 
to sound their charities-no press to chronicle their acts. The gratitude 
of the donee is a rich recompense to the donor-purity of motive refines 
the joys of each. Angels smile on such benevolence. It is the attribute 
of Deity-the moving cause of every blessing we enjoy. 

So thought Benjamin Rush, a native of Bristol, Bucks County, Penn. 
born on the 24th of Dec. 1745. His ancestors came to this country 
under the auspices of William Penn in 1683. His father was a respect- 
able farmer and died when this son was a child. At the age of nine 
years Benjamin was placed under the tuition of his maternal uncle, 
Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley. He continued under his instruction five years 
when he entered Princeton College, then under the direction of Presi- 
dent Davis. Like an expanding flower courting the increasing warmth of 
spring the talents of this young freshman rapidly unfolded their rich and 
varied hues as they were brought into mellow life by the genial rays of 
the sun of science. At the end of the first year he received the degree 
of Bachelor of Arts. During his brief stay at Princeton he was highly 
esteemed and was considered one of the most eloquent speakers among 
the students. At the age of sixteen he closed his collegiate studies and 
commenced reading medicine with Dr. John Redman, then one of the 
most eminent practitioners in the city of Philadelphia. The same industry 
that had marked his previous course made him a favorite son of iEscu- 
lapius. The same urbanity and modesty that had made him a welcome 
guest in every circle in other places, gained for him good and influential 
friends in his new location. 



312 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

After pursuing his studies with great industry for six years under 
Dr. Redman he entered the Medical University at Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, where he reaped the full benefit of the lectures of the celebiated 
Munro, CuUen, Black and Gregory. In 1768 he received the degree 
of M.D. having toiled severely for seven years to prepare hinnself to 
take in charge human life. As in the study oflaw, theology and most of 
the professions and trades-how great the change in numerous instances. 
I have known so called doctors made in a month-lawyers in six months 
and preachers in a single night-sprouts of quackology to be Rure-but 
they pass in these days of humbuggery and often distance the man of 
acquirements and real merit who is too modest to make a bragadocia 
dash. Self-assurance and brazen impudence are performing wonders 
in this enlightened age. As elementary and practical books increase 
terms of study decrease. When Cheselden's Anatomy and Cullen's 
Materia Medica stood almost alone in this country, students were 
longer at their studies. The lectures you may reply have shortened 
the term. True-but why so few Rushes, Physics, &c. among the flood 
of modern M.D.'s ? 

On receiving his diploma he went to London and was admitted to 
practise in the hospitals of that city where he remained nearly a year 
and became eminent as a bold and successful operator-a skilful and 
judicious physician. He then visited the hospitals of Paris and returned 
to Philadelphia in the spring of 1769, where he met the warm embrace 
of his connections and friends and commenced his useful career in that 
city. 

His professional fame had preceded him and his superior acquire- 
ments were immediately had in requisition. In addition to a rapidly 
increasing practice he performed the labors of a Professor in the Medi- 
cal School that had been recently organized by Drs. Bond, Kuhn, Mor- 
gan and Shippen. He was elected to that important station a few 
months after his return. Upon a substantial basis he continued to build 
an honest and enduring fame-participating in all the passing events 
that concerned the good and glory of his country and his fellow men. 

Although a close student of medicine and surgery, it was soon dis- 
covered that he well understood the relative situation of the mother 
country and the American Colonies. He had closely examined the un- 
warranted pretensions of the former and the aggravated grievances of 
the latter. His benevolent soul was touched by the sufferings of op- 
pressed humanity and warmed by the patriotic fire of Freedom. He at 
once became a bold and able advocate in the cause of LiBERXY-a firm 
and fearless opposer of British tyranny-a strong and energetic sud- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 313 

porter of equal rights. Mingling with all classes through the medium 
of his profession, his influence was as extensive and multiform as it 
was useful and salutary. The Independence of his country was the 
ultimatum of his desires. To see her regenerated and free was the 
anxious wish of his heart. So conspicuous was he in the glorious 
cause, that he was elected a member of the Congress of 1776 and had 
the proud pleasure of placing his name upon the chart of Freedom. 

The year following he was appointed Surgeon General of the Mili- 
tary Hospital for the middle department and rendered himself exten- 
sively useful during the entire period of the Revolution. He was ever 
ready to go where duty called and exerted his noblest powers in the 
glorious cause he had espoused until he saw the star spangled banner 
wave in triumph over the land of the brave and free and the incense 
of Liberty ascending to Heaven in cerulean clouds from the altar of 
Freedom. ^ ^ 

The Independence of his country secured-he desired no occupation 
but that of his profession. For a time his services were diverted from 
this channel in the Convention of his state to take into consideration 
the adoption of the Federal Constitution. Having carefully read the 
published arguments as they progressed in the National Convention, he 
was fully prepared to enter warmly into the advocacy of the adoption 
of that instrument. Wtien this was adopted by the states, the measure 
of his political ambition was filled and hermetically sealed. He retired 
from that arena of turmoil crowned with the evergreen laurels of fame 
that will bloom with living freshness until patriotism shall be lost in 
anarchy and the last vestige of Liberty be swept away by the tornado 
of faction. The only station he ever consented to fill under govern- 
ment subsequently was Cashier of the U. S. Mint. 

During the remainder of his life his time and talents were devoted to 
his profession, the improvement of medical science and the ameliora- 
tion of the ills of afflicted humanity. In 1789 he was elected Professor 
of the Theory and Practice of Physic. In 1791 he was appointed Pro- 
fessor of the Institutes of Medicine and Clinical Practice. In 1806 he 
was honored with the united Professorships of the Theory and Prac- 
tice of Physic and Clinical Medicine, the duties of which he ably dis- 
charged until sickness and death closed his useful career. 

Besides the multiform duties already enumerated he was an efficient 
member of various benevolent associations. He was President of the 
American Association for the Abolition of Slavery-Vice President of 
the Philadelphia Bible Society-President of the Philadelphia Medical 
Societ) -a Vice President of the American Philosophical Society and a 
40 



314 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

.nember of several other philanthropic institutions in this country and in 
Europe. For many years he was a physician of the Pennsylvania Hos- 
pital and did much to promote its prosperity. He was ever anxious to 
be useful in counsel, influence and action. To soothe the troubled bo- 
som heaving with anguish-to alleviate the suffering patient writhing 
under pain-to aid the poor and needy sinking under misfortunes-to visit 
the widow and the fatherless in their distress-afforded Dr. Rush a richer 
pleasure than to have reached the loftiest pinnacle of political fame-a ho- 
lier joy than to have been the triumphant chieftain of a conquered world. 
Although his duties were onerous and various he arranged his time 
with such system and order that a harmonious routine was produced. 
His professional duties, his books, his pen each had their specific time.' 
He wrote numerous literary, moral and philosophical essays-several 
volumes on medical science among which were his " Medical Inquiries 
and Observations" and a " History of the Yellow Fever." He spent 
much time in the investigation of that alarming disease-endeavoring to 
arrive at the best mode of treatment. In this, as in many other cases 
of disease-the lancet was his anchor of hope. His theory and practice 
in this particular have fewer advocates now. The theory and practice 
of medicine have virtually turned a somerset within the last half cen- 
tury in the regular departments of the science-to say nothing of the 
locust swarms of quackologists who are making awful havoc on the 
foliage of human life. 

During the prevalence of any disease his exertions to arrest its pro- 
gress and alleviate distress were unremitting. He obeyed the calls of 
the poor as promptly as those of the rich. He was particularly atten- 
tive to those in adverse circumstances who had employed him when in 
affluence. He put a veto on sunshine friends by precept and example. 
A pious and consistent Christian-he often cheered the desponding heart 
where medicine failed to save the body from the grave. His counsels 
were full of wisdom and benevolence and saved many a frail bark from 
shipwreck. His enlivening presence and soul-cheering advice drove 
despair from many an agonized mind-imparting fresh vigor by admi- 
nistering the elixir of hope and the tonic of fortitude. This is an im- 
portant talent in a physician-often more potent than any chemical. 

Blessed with a vigorous cnnstitution-Dr. Rush was active until a 
short time previous to the 19th of April 1813, when he rested from his 
labors and was numbered with the dead. As the news of his death 
spread, a universal sorrow pervaded all classes-funeral sermons were 
preached-eulogies pronounced and processions formed throughout the 
United Stales as a just tribute to the memory of the departed sage, 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION, 315 

patriot, scholar and philanthropist. Ilis goodness had decked his name 
with the rich garniture of profound esteem. 

When the sad tidings reached England and France, the same demon- 
strations of respect were manifested there. The tears of sympathy suf- 
fused many European eyes. In the halls of science on both sides of the 
Atlantic, Dr. Rush was well known and higiily appreciated. By our 
own country his loss was most keenly felt-by the civilized world deeply 
lamented. The graves of but few men have been moistened by as 
many tears from the rich and poor-high and low-as that of Dr. Rush. 
His fame is based upon substantial merit. His name is engraved in 
deep and indelible traces on the hearts of our countrymen. His untar- 
nished reputation is written on the monument of history in letters of 
gold by the pen of justice dipped in the font of gratitude and will en- 
dure, unimpaired, until the last trump shall proclaim to the astonished 
millions on this whirling planet-xiME shall 'be no longer ! ! ! 

The private character of this great and good man was as unsullied 
and pure as his career was brilliant and useful. His heart overflowed 
with the milk of human kindness-his benevolence often carried him be- 
yond his prolessional income. He was temperate in his habits-neat in 
his person and dress-social and gentlemanly in his intercourse-urbane 
and courteous in his manners-interesting and instructive in his conver- 
sation-modest and unassuming in his deportment. He was a warm and 
aflectionate companion-the widows' friend and the orphans' father. 

He was a little above the middle height-rather slender but a good 
figure. His mouth and chin were well formed-his nose aqueline-his 
eyes blue and animated-his forehead high and prominent. The diame- 
ter of his head from back to front was unusually large. His combined 
features were commanding and prepossessing, his physiognomy indi- 
cating a gigantic intellect. 

When attacked by the disease which terminated his life he was 
aware a rapid dissolution awaited him. He was fully prepared to 
enter upon the untried scenes of the other and brighter world. He 
could look back upon a hfe well spent. He had run a noble race-was 
ready to finish his course-resign his tabernacle of clay to its mother 
dust-his immortal soul to Him who gave it. 

In the history of this great and good man we see nothing to censure but 
much to admire. To be useful and do all the good in his power was his 
constant aim. No blanks appear on the record for the apologist to fill 
up. But few men have perform 3d as much-no one performed more in 
the same time. If such examples as his, spread out in bold relievo on the 
historic page, will not exercise a salutary influence on the reader-if his 



316 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

devotion to his country-benevolence and unsurpassed virtues do not 
mellow your heart-you cannot be a patriot or a philanthropist-you do 
not realize the priceless value of our UNION. 



EDWARD HUTLEDGE. 

The name of every patriot, sage and hero who aided in gaining the 
Liberty we now enjoy, is repeated with veneration and respect. But 
a few of those noble spirits who breasted the storm of the Revolution 
are hngering on earth. All who were prominent leaders have paid 
the debt of nature and gone to their permanent and final home. A 
particular veneration is felt for those whose names are enrolled on that 
bold and soul-stirring production-the Declaration of Independence. 
Their names, with many o4:hers, will glide down the stream of time 
on the peaceful waves of admiration and gratitude until merged in the 
consummation of this whirling planet-" the wreck of matter and the 
crush of worlds." Among the names of the signers of the Declaration 
of Independence, is that of Edward Rutledge, born in Charleston S. C. 
in November 1749. He was the son of Dr. Rutledge, a native of 
Ireland, who married Sarah West, a lady of refined accomplishments, 
piety and good sense. 

Edward lost his father at an early age and like those of many great 
and good men, his mind was happily moulded by his accomplished 
mother. After passing through the usual routine of an education he 
commenced the study of law with an elder brother who stood high at 
the Charleston bar. As a relaxation from Coke and Bacon he occa- 
sionally entered the bowers of elocution. In 1769 he went to England, 
became a student at the ternple-made himself familiar with tlie courts, 
rules of parliament, the policy, designs and feelings of the British 
ministry and cultivated an acquaintance with the celebrated orators 
and statesmen-Chatham, Mansfield and others. He returned in 1773, 
richly laden with stock for future use. 

He commenced a successful practice-uniting an expressive counte- 
nance, a good voice, a rich imagination, elegance of action, an honor- 
able mind and a good heart-with strong native talent improved by 
superior advantages and great industry. He soon acquired a well 
earned eminence as a bold, discreet and able advocate. He was ever 
ready-the spur of the moment made him shine most conspicuously 
His lamp was always trimmed and burning. With true Irish zeal he 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 317 

was always ready to enter the arena where duty called-especially if it 
was to defend the weak-aid the oppressed or reUeve the distressed. 

It was self-evident that with a soul and talents Hke his, he could noc 
remain an idle spectator of the elements of revolution that were in 
motion. He was the kind of man to rouse the popular fury when 
circumstances would justify and required it. Warm-hearted, zealous, 
bold and daring-he was a necessary part in the political machine of 
that time to put the more sluggish parts in motion. He was an admi- 
rable fireman, a safe engineer, a good pilot and a popular captain. 
Liberal in his views, republican in his principles, a stickler for equal 
rights — he was among the first to strike for Liberty. 

He was elected a member of the first Congress in 1774. None but 
men of superior merit, known fortitude and pure patriotism were 
selected to represent their country's rights and repel the wrongs of 
monarchy. Such a man was Mr. Rutledge. His open frankness and 
bold exposure of the corruptions of the British ministry-preying upon 
the Colonies like canker worms, rendered him obnoxious to the adhe- 
rents of the crown-the very thing to rouse such a man to determined 
action. Opposition seemed to kindle in his manly bosom a brighter 
flame of patriotic fire which he imparted to the friends of freedom 
without stint or measure. 

With his ardor and zeal he united prudence and discretion-was a 
friend to order and cool deliberation. He acted from enHghtened 
principles-aiming to build every superstructure on the firm basis of 
reason and justice. To this nobleness of design-conceived and adhered 
to by all the signers of the Declaration, may be attributed that lofty 
dignity which pervades that unique document. 

Revolution is a tornado rarely chastened by prudence or discretion 
to neutralize its baneful effects. Up to the time of the American 
Revolution history claims no body of men to compare with those who 
constituted the Continental Congress-men who commanded the whirl- 
wind of passion to stay its fury-who conducted the lightning of revenge 
by the silken thread of reason to the goal of deliberation. 

Mr. Rutledge was made a member of several important committees. 
He was appointed, in conjunction with Benjamin Franklin and John 
Adams to meet Lord Howe when he came to offer terms of ministerial 
peace. They were received with marked attention and respect by the 
royal messenger. He only had power to pardon repenting rebels- 
these were not to be found. His insulting proposition was repelled 
with indignation. The committee disclaimed all allegiance to the 
crown-it had been sacrificed at the shrine of an ambitious and oppres- 



318 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

sive ministry. Freedom was their motto-LiBERTY their watchword- 
their lerms-lNDEPENDENCE or Death. They had nobly resolved '' to 
do or die." 

As a sound, judicious and able statesman, Mr. Rutledge was highly 
appreciated. He had also earned laurels in the battle field. He had 
long commanded a company in the ancient battalion of artillery. 
When the British landed at Port Royal in 1779, he led his company 
to the attack with the skill and courage of a veteran. At no Revolu- 
tionary battle was more personal bravery displayed than at this-nor 
was the enemy at any time more chagrined at a total defeat by raw 
militia. It was a mystery to them to find in the same man the states- 
man and the hero. He was subsequenly elected colonel. During the 
investment of Charleston in 1780, he was again on military duty-taken 
prisoner-sent to St. Augustine and was not exchanged for nearly a 
year. Before his return the dark clouds began to recede before the 
rays of rising hope and the day star of Liberty. 

He returned to his native state and aided in restoring the civil govern- 
ment to order and systematic arrangement He was a member of the 
enraged Assembly at Jacksonborough in 1782. With his recent personal 
injuries pressing upon him and those of his friends bleeding fresh before 
him, he was induced to sanction the bill of pains and penalties, which, 
under other circumstances he would have opposed. During the time it 
remained in force he smoothed its roughness as much as possible. 

Among those who had been tortured by persecution was his venerable 
mother who had been taken from her quiet home in the country and 
confined in Charleston then occupied by the British-because she was the 
mother of one of the rebels who had signed that burning instrument-the 
Declaration of Independence-a high compliment to her talents and 
patriotism-placing her on the list of fame with the noble matrons of 
Greece and Rome. 

During the entire period of the unequal struggle with Great Britain, 
Mr. Rutledge rendered all the aid in his power to his injured country. 
At the final termination of hostilities-in a free land and with a free heart 
he returned to the bosom of his friends and the labors of his profession. 
His private worth, urbanity of manners and persevering industry in busi- 
ness, gained for him the confidence and esteem of community. 

In the organization of the government of the state he took a con- 
spicuous and useful part. Many difficulties were to be surmounted- 
clashing local interests reconciled and laws adopted to restore to order 
and harmonious system the confusion consequent upon a change oi 
government. A great commotion existed between debtors and creditors. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 319 

Specie was not to be had-the paper currency was nearly annihilatea- 
many who had periled life for Liberty and shaken off the foreign 
yoke felt that they were again in cruel bondage. Many avaricious 
creditors were as destitute of mercy as the pirate is of compassion. 
Such bipeds still live, move and have a being-but thanks to the philan- 
thropy and good sense of our legislatures, they are disarmed in many of 
the states from the most barbarous feature of their power-that of thrust- 
ing a poor debtor into prison for the crime of poverty. I am pained to 
own that tfiere are instances on record in our country where veterans, 
who bled for our boasted freedom, have been incarcerated by the cold 
inquisitorial creditor for a sum so trifling that the miser would blush to 
name it. 

As a panacea for this malady a law was passed making land a lawful 
tender for debts-a law purely republican but obnoxious to avarice and 
aristocracy. Mr. Rutledge did much to effect the adoption of this mea- 
sure, imperiously demanded by the then existing circumstances of the 
community. He also advocated the instalment law and used his best 
exertions to ameliorate the condition of the poor and do justice to the rich 
by salutary and humane legislation. He took an active part in the public 
business generally. When the Federal Constitution was presented to his 
state for consideration he was in favor of its adoption although it con- 
tained some objectionable features in his mind. He was always opposed 
to slavery deeming it a national curse entailed by England. 

If slavery did not exist in the South and the people knew its evils as 
they only can know and feel them, a very large majority would oppose 
its introduction. I have recently travelled in most of the southern states 
and speak from the record. Two-fifths of the white population of those 
states do not own a slave. The institution is one of a domestic nature to 
be governed and regulated by themselves. But for the unfortunate inter- 
ference of our northern brethren, many, but not all of them prompted by 
philanthropic motives, gradual emancipation would have commenced 
years ago and left no food for demagogues and disorganizers to gorge 
themselves upon. Should the South interfere with any of the domestic con- 
cerns of the North, resistance would be instantaneous. I am no advocate 
of slavery-but understanding its origin, progress, present condition and 
practical operation and the feelings of the South-I repeat, that the inter- 
ference of the North is a misfortune to the slave and the peace of our 
common country. But for this, four of the slave states would now be 
free. This Bohun Upas was dying a natural death-digging around it 
has renewed its age fifty years. The plan was conceived and put 
in operation by England through her emissary Dr. Thompson, as a 



320 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

dernier resort to destroy the only republic hated and feared by the 
crowned heads of Europe. Let the South alone to correct their own 
evils. Let the subject be consigned to the capulet tombs rather than it 
should for a moment disturb the harmony of our glorious UNION. To 
the slave-sudden emancipation would be an irreparable injury. The 
question is one oi fact rather than law-oi imperious expediency rather 
than abstract reasoning. The slaves of the South are better bred, fed 
and clothed and more intelligent than the great majority of free negroes 
in free states. 

Although partial to the French, when difficulties arose between that 
nation and England, Mr. Rutledge strongly censured the conduct of M. 
Genet and the French Directory for the stringent measures adopted. 
He was a moderate-not an ultra party man and always acted from a 
sense of duty and a pure desire for the good of the whole. His was a 
stern unflinching moderation-calculated to awe a mob, paralyze a fac- 
tion and preserve pure and undefiled that lofty patriotism which com- 
mands esteem and respect and leads to peace and safety. 

In 1798 Mr. Rutledge was elected governor of his native state. 
Soon after he entered upon the imposing duties of his office, disease 
suddenly seized and handed him over to the King of Terrors in the 
bright career of his gubernatorial term. During the legislative session 
of 1800, his health failed so rapidly that he felt a full assurance that his 
dissolution was fast approaching. He was anxious to return to Charles- 
ton that he might yield up his breath where he first inhaled the atmo- 
sphere. The constitution required the presence of the governor during 
the session of that body and so scrupulous was he to fulfil its letter, 
that he determined to remain unless both branches passed a resolution 
sanctioning his absence. The subject was submitted and becoming a 
matter of debate he at once withdrew it and remained until the ad- 
journment. He was barely able to reach home when he laid down 
upon the sick bed and yielded to the only power that could conquer 
him-Death-on the 23d of January 1800. The same fortitude that had 
characterized his whole life was fully exemplified during his illness and 
dying hour. His loss was keenly felt and deeply mourned by the entire 
community of the state and by the friends of freedom throughout the 
nation. South Carolina had lost one of her brightest ornaments-one 
of her noblest sons. 

Governor Rutledge stood high as an orator. He was familiar with 
the machinery of human nature-knew when to address the judgment 
and when the passions. In exciting the sympathy of a jury he had no 
equal at the Charleston Bar. He knew how, when and where to be 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 321 

logical and what is all important in public and private life-he knew 
now, when and where to speak and what to say and stopped when 
done. His private worth and public services were an honor to himself, 
gratifying to his friends and beneficial to his country. His usefulness 
continued to the close of life-his fame is untarnished with error-his 
examples are worthy of imitation-his life had no blank. He married 
for his first wife, Harriet, daughter of Edward Middleton his colleague 
in the Continental Congress. By her he had a son and daughter-the 
latter settled in Charleston-the former, Maj. Henry M. Rutledge, was 
one of the pioneers of Tennessee. God grant that his descendants may 
imitate the virtues of their ancestor and fill the blank occasioned by the 
death of the wise, judicious, benevolent, patriotic and high-minded Ed- 
ward Rutledge. 



ROOER SHERMAN. 

The man who has been rocked in the cradle of letters from his child- 
hood-who has become familiar with general science, the classics and 
the philosophy of the schools-who has had a wealthy father to aid and 
doting mother to caress-who has enjoyed an uninterrupted course in 
some far-famed college and the most refined society-such a man is ex- 
pected to mount the ladder of fame and become a shining light to those 
whose advantages have been limited to a primary school or no school. 
If, with all these advantages lavished upon him he sinks into obscurity, 
the fond anticipations of his doting parents and anxious friends set in 
gloom. Such has often been the case. 

When we see a man whose opportunities of acquiring an education 
during ciiildhood and youth carried him not far beyond the spelling- 
book-a man who had no father to aid him by wealth-warn him against 
the quicksands of error or point him to the temple of science-his intel- 
lect encased in the rude quarry of nature at the age of twenty-when 
we see such a man bursting the fetters that bind his mental powers- 
throwing off the dark mantle of ignorance-by a mighty effort unveihng 
his dormant talents and shining in all the beauty of intelligence and 
greatness, we are filled with admiration and delight. 

Such a man was Roger Sherman, the great grandson of Capt. John 
Sherman, who came from England to Watertown, Mass. in 1635. Ro- 
ger was the son of William Sherman, born in Newton, Mass. on the 
19th of April 1721. His father was a respectable farmer with means 
too limited to educate his son and bound him an apprentice to a shoe- 
41 



322 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

maker. At the age of nineteen he left his master to seek his fortune 
His genius had become restless in embryo and pressed for enlargement 
No shop could confine-no obstacle deter, no impediment prevent its 
expansion. The course of his mind was onward and upward like a 
blazing star, illuminating the horizon of his intellect as it rose. Nature 
designed him to be great and good-he obeyed her kind commands. 

He went to New Milford, Conn, where he followed his trade for 
three years, devoting every leisure moment to his books, often having 
one open before him when using his lap-stone. Every obstacle to the 
pursuit of knowledge was removed by his untiring industry-he ascended 
the hill of science with a steady pace. He lived within the strictest 
rules of economy, appropriating a part of his earnings to the support 
of a widowed mother with a family of small children. The education 
of these children also received his attention. 

In June 1743 he removed his mother and children to New Milford 
and entered into the mercantile business, still improving every leisure 
hour in the acquisition of an education. He rapidly stored his mind 
with a fund of useful information that ultimately enabled him to com- 
mence a public career of usefulness. He also became a member of the 
church and adorned his profession through life. In 1745 he was ap- 
pointed surveyor of Litchfield County, having mastered mathematics. 
Like his cotemporary and friend Benjamin Franklin, he made the cal- 
culation for an almanac for several years for a publisher in New York. 

At the age of twenty-eight he married Elizabeth Hartwell of Staugh- 
ton, Mass. who died in 1780 leaving seven children. He subsequently 
married Rebecca Prescott who had eight children. His fifteen children 
were carefully trained in the paths of wisdom and virtue. He also 
supported his mother and a maiden sister until death relieved them 
from the toils of life. 

In the prosecution of his literary pursuits he turned his attention to 
the study of law in which he made astonishing proficiency. In 1754 
he was admitted to the bar, better prepared to enter into this arduous 
profession and do justice to his clients than many who are ushered into 
notice with great eclat under the high floating banner of a collegiate 
<iiploma. 

The following year he was elected a member of the colonial Assem- 
bly and remained in that body during the remainder of his residence at 
New Milford. He had the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens 
which enabled him to exercise a salutary influence upon those around 
him. His reputation as a lawyer and statesman stood high. For in- 
dustry, prudence, discretion and sound logic-he was unrivalled in the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 323 

Colon}'. Strong comnnon sense, the safety valve of human action, 
nnarked his whole career. He was a philanthropist of the highest 
order-a patriot of the first water-rendering himself substantially useful 
to his fellow men and common country. 

In 1759 he was appointed a judge of the county court of Litchfield, 
discharging his duties with great faithfulness and impartiality-correct- 
ing vice and promoting virtue. 

In 1761 he removed to New Haven where he was appointed justice 
of the peace-elected to the Assembly and in 1765 was placed upon the 
judicial bench of the county court. He received the degree of Master 
of Arts from Yale College, of which he was treasurer for many years, 
fulfilling the trust with scrupulous honesty and fidelity. 

In 1766 he was elected to the Executive Council which was hailed 
as an auspicious event by the friends of liberal principles. The mother 
country had manifested a disposition to impose unjust taxation upon the 
Colonies. It required discretion, experience, nerve and decision to 
comprehend and expose the corrupt plans of an avaricious and reckless 
ministry. The Colonies had borne the great burden of the French war 
in which they had sacrificed large sums of money and fountains of their 
richest blood. After years of incessant toil the foe had been conquered- 
an honorable peace obtained for England-the frontier settlements mea- 
surably relieved from danger and the soldier had again become the citi- 
zen. Whilst their rejoicings on that occasion were yet on the lips of 
echo, oppression from the crown threatened to blast their fond antici- 
pations of happiness and repose and bind them in chains more to be 
dreaded than the tomahawk and scalping knife. 

His Colony had furnished more money and men and lost more of her 
brave sons in the French war than any other with the same population. 
Mr. Sherman had been an active member of the Assembly during the 
period of its prosecution and remembered well the sacrifices that had 
been made to oblige the king. He understood well the rights of his 
own country and those of the crown. He was eminently prepared to 
discover approaching danger and sound a timely alarm. He was fully 
competent to probe the intrigues and venality of designing men although 
the broad Atlantic rolled between him and them. 

Mr. Grenville was the master spirit of the British ministry. He de- 
termined to put in practice his long cherished theory of taxing the Ame- 
rican Colonies. The alarm was soon spread from the north to the 
south. Appeals for redress, petitions and remonstrances, numerously 
signed, were forwarded to Parliament. These were passed by like the 
idle wind. Reason, justice, mercy-all were banished from the bosoms 



324 TIIESAGES AND HEROES 

of the ruling power. The rack of oppression was put in motion-screw 
after screw was turned-the sinews of affection for the mother country 
began to snap-the purple current rushed from its fountain with in- 
creased velocity-indignation was roused in millions of bosoms. In 
humble imitation of the -ancient inquisitors, the screws of the infernal 
machine were relaxed to give the subjects a confessing respite. Tiie 
tax upon glass, paper, &c. was repealed. But the main screw was not 
turned back. The tax on tea was still enforced. This exception was 
death to the colonial power of England-to America-FREEDOM. The in- 
dignation of woman was roused. Her high toned chords were touched-- 
the reverberation electrified the mass as with vivid lightning. Tea was 
banished by every female patriot and with it all British luxuries and 
taxed articles. 

Mr. Sherman remained undaunted at his post calmly watching the 
moving elements. Although elevated to the bench of the Superior Court 
he remained in the Executive Council, a firm and consistent advocate 
of his country's rights-a bold expounder of Britain's wrongs. He viewed 
the gathering clouds as they rolled up from the horizon-he saw the 
streams of lurid fire with which they were charged and calmly waited 
the crash of thunder that should usher on the terrific storm. The British 
lion prowled in anger-the Albion Goliah buckled on his armor-the 
shining steel dazzled in the sun-American blood flowed-popular fury was 
roused-the sword of vengeance was drawn-allegiance was dissolved- 
the Colonies were free. 

Judge Sherman was a member of the first Continental Congress and 
remained firm and unwavering at his post during the heart rending 
scenes of the Revolution, the formation of the new government and the 
adoption of the Federal Constitution. With a mind of iron strength 
enlarged and improved by close study-inured to the toils and intricacies 
of leo-islation-the history of his country and of nations stamped upon his 
memory-the ingratitude and insults of a foreign ministry preying upon 
his soul-all these combined to press him onward to deeds of noble daring. 
His capacity was equal to every emergency. He omitted no duty, 
moving, with the mathematical precision of a planet, within the orbit of 
sound discretion. He was famiUar with all the avenues of men and 
things-scanned the deep recesses of human nature-traced causes and 
results to their source and probed to the bottom the springs of human 
action. The arcana of economies was open before him-solving problems, 
demonstrating principles and placing them in the full blaze of illustration- 
clear as light, intelligible as Euclid-irresistible as truth. Youth and 
young mechanics of our country such was the self-taught self-made 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 325 

Roger Sherman. Read the history of his Ufe closely. Ponder it well 
and firmly resolve to make him your model. 

The (Congressional session of 1775 was one of great labor, anxiety and 
embarrassment. It required veterans in patriotism to sustain the tremen- 
dous shock, the fearful onset. An army was to be raised and organized, 
military stores provided, fortifications erected, rules of government 
adopted, plans of operation matured, internal foes to be encountered and 
legions of hireling soldiers to be repelled. To meet these pressing emer- 
gencies the members of Congress had hearts fullof courage but an empty 
treasury. A forlorn hope was before them-a merciless foe on their 
shores. The torch of hope shed but a dim light. In the name of high 
Heaven they resolved on Liberty or Death. Nor did they " split on the 
rock of resolves and re-resolves, where thousands live and die the same." 
They met the fury of the king with a firmness, wisdom and patriotism 
before unknown. Their course was onward towards the goal of free- 
dom. No threats of vengeance dismayed them-the shafts of terror fell 
harmless at their feet-the vials of ministerial wrath were poured out in 
vain. 

In 1776,the Colonies bleeding, reverses rolling frightfully upon them, 
5 conquering army sweeping over their land like a tornado, the streams 
red with the blood of their kinsmen-the cries of widows and orphans 
ringing in their ears, the sky illumined with the curling flames of their 
towns-this band of patriots conceived the bold and sublime plan of Inde- 
PENDENCE-a plan that wreathed its projectors with laurels of unfading 
freshness. 

Early in the summer Messrs. Sherman, John Adams, Franklin, Liv- 
ingston and Jefferson were appointed a committee to draft a Declaration 
of Rights. It was prepared with much deliberation-reported and on the 
memorable 4th of July 1776 received the hearty sanction of the Con- 
tinental Congress amidst the transporting joys of freemen who hailed it 
as the bright morning star-to them a prelude to future bliss-to tyrants, a 
blazing meteor of devouring fire. 

Illustrious in all their actions the signers of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence were pre-eminently so-when, assuming their native dignity, they 
rose in all the majesty of greatness-bursting their servile chains-cutting 
asunder the cords of forfeited aliegiance-sublimely passing the grand 
Rubicon and in the eyes of an approving God and an admiring world- 
declared their country free and independent. The era was one of 
refulgent glory, sacred to the cause of human rights-enduring as genuine 
patriotism-cheering as the oasis of the desert. 

No member of the Continental Congress had studied more closely and 



326 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

understood more clearly political economy and finance than Mr. Sherman. 
His mind was moulded in system. He was a practical man and con- 
versant with every department of government. He was an efficient 
member of the board of war, ordnance and the treasury. He served on 
important committees during the whole time of the Revolution. His 
plans for replenishing the public funds, regulating expenditures and dis- 
bursing moneys, were based on rules of frugality and economy corres- 
ponding with the embarrassments of that trying period. Fraudulent 
contractors quailed before his scrutiny- speculations and peculations on 
government were often paralyzed by his torpedo touch. He guarded, 
with an Argus eye and parental care the interests of the young Re- 
public. 

In the estimation of his colleagues and of our nation, Roger Sher- 
man was second to no one in that bright constellation of sages for sterling 
integrity and substantial usefulness. At that time honesty and modesty 
were attributes of merit. It required no stump speeches or bar-room 
harangues to gain popular favor. Foaming bragadocia-bullying gas- 
conade-personal crimination and a violation of the sanctity of the do- 
mestic circle were not then current coin. No bogus politicians were 
found among the patriots of the Revolution. Principles-not men were 
the political landmarks-not the seven principles of five loaves and two 
fishes but the heaven-born principles of eternal justice, truth, honesty, 
equality, freedom, love of country, patriotism, humanity, universal cha- 
rity and pure benevolence-all harmoniously growing in rich clusters 
upon the tree of Liberty. 

That was also a time of labor. Inglorious ease was not known to 
legislators. Long written speeches were not read to the speaker and 
the walls to be printed for party effect among constituents. Turmoil 
and billingsgate slang were unknown in the halls of legislation. The 
business of the nation was performed promptly, faithfully and effectu- 
ally. Posts of honor were then posts of duty-not of profit. No dema- 
gogue bipeds were permitted to fatten at the public crib-no droning 
sinecures were lounging under the mantle of government. How 
changed the scene-how fearful the contrast at the present writing! 
Awake ! patriots of my beloved country to a sense of our true inte- 
rests. Throw off the incubus of ultra party spirit-think, know and act 
for yourselves-avoid the paralyzing touch of reckless demagogues and 
purge our land from political corruption. 

By his fellow citizens at home Mr. Sherman was held in high esteem. 
He was continued in the Council during the Revolution. When the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 327 

city of New Haven was chartered in 1784 he was elected the first 
mayor-filling the office with great dignity to the close of his life. 

When peace was restored Judges Sherman and Law were appointed 
to revise the judicial code of Connecticut which duty they performed 
with great ability and satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Sherman vvas 
a member of the convention that framed the Federal Constitution. 
From a manuscript found among his papers it appears that this instru- 
ment received many of its bright features from him. To his concep- 
tive mind and practical wisdom we are much indebted for the towering 
greatness and unparalleled prosperity we so eminently enjoy and which 
will increase and endure so long as the people protect their own inte- 
rests and are true to themselves. Intimately acquainted with all the 
local conflicting interests of the Colonies, he was enabled to exercise a 
salutary influence among the members in reconciling difterences be- 
tween them, which, for a time, threatened to hurl back the elements of 
government into original chaos and prostrate the fair fabric of Liberty. 
By examining the earnest discussions, the variety of opinions, the mul- 
tifarious interests, the intense anxiety, the agony of soul and sacrifice 
of private views that characterized the formation of the Federal Con- 
stitution-we discover wisdom, discretion, charity and patriotism of the 
loftiest kind shining in all the grandeur of self sacrifice. Based upon 
the Declaration of Rights-it forms a superstructure, towering in subli- 
mity above all others-radiating its heart cheering influence over our 
increasing millions of freemen-revered by all patriots at home-re- 
spected abroad-unrivalled in the annals of legislation. 

Judge Sherman did much to remove the objections made to this im- 
portant document by the people of his own and adjoining States. He 
demonstrated to them clearly and convinced them fulJy-that to effect 
and perpetuate the Union, private feeling and interest must yield to 
public necessity to procure public good and that each State should 
strive to produce an equilibrium of the general government, forming a 
grand centre towards which it should ever tend with harmonious and 
fraternal gravitation-immovable as the perpetual hills. 

Judge Sherman was elected a member of the first Congress under the 
new Constitution and resigned his judicial station which he had so long 
adorned with the ermine of impartiality and equal justice. His influ- 
ence was beneficially felt in the national legislature. He used his no- 
blest exertions to promote the wide spread interests of the new-fledged 
Republic. Traces of his magnanimous propositions and prophetic 
policy are upon the journals and many of them incorporated in the 
Acts of that period. When members differed and exhibited the least 



328 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

acrimony, they were sure to find the peaceful wand of Judge Sherman 
fanning their heated feehngs into a healthful coolness. 

At the expiration of his representative term he was elected to the 
United States Senate of which he was a member when he closed 
his useful career-bade a long adieu-a final farewell to earth and its 
toils. He died on the 23d of July 1793 in the full enjoyment of that 
religion he had honored and practised and which had been a consola- 
tion and support amidst the changing scenes of his eventful pilgrimage. 
He had lived the life of a good man-he died calm, serene and happy. 
Through faith he triumphed over death and the grave and pressed up- 
ward to receive the enduring prize of unfading glory. He could ap- 
proach the dread tribunal of the great Jehovah-smiling and smiled upon 
and enter into all the realities of heavenly bliss-enduring as the rolling 
ages of eternity. Thus lived and thus died Roger Sherman. 

He had been a faithful public servant nearly forty years. He had 
participated in all the trying scenes of the Revolution-he had seen his 
country burst the fetters of tyranny and become a nation of freemen. 
He had aided in the consolidation of the general government-she was 
prosperous and happy. In all the important measures of the state of 
his adoption and of the American nation, he had acted an important part 
from the commencement of the French war to the time of his departure 
to " that country from whose bourne no traveller returns." 

As a Christian he was esteemed by all denominations for his con- 
sistent piety and expansive charity. With him sectarianism was not 
religion-for him it had no charms. His philanthropy was broad as 
the human family-it reached from earth to heaven. He was familiar 
with the abstruse branches of theology and corresponded with several 
eminent divines. The Bible was his creed-not the dogmas of men. 

In the history of Roger Sherman we have one of nature's sheets of 
purest white covered with all the sublime delineations that dignify a 
man and assimilate him to his Creator. His life was crowned with 
unfading evergreen produced by the rich soil of genuine worth and 
substantial merit. No ephemeral roses decked his venerable brow. 
A chaplet of amaranthine flowers surmounts his well earned fame. 
The mementos of his examples are a rich boon to posterity through 
all time. Whilst patriotism, religion and social order survive-the 
virtues of this great and good man will shine in all the majesty of light. 
His private character was as pure as his public career was illustrious. 

Roger Sherman clearly demonstrated that man is the architect of his 
own fortune. By industry and perseverance in the use of books-now 
accessible to all, apprentices and mechanics may surmount every barrier 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 329 

and reach the summit of science and take their stations, with superior 
advantage, by the side of those who have been enervated within the 
walls of a college. No one in our land of intelligence is excusable for 
remaining under the dark mantle of ignorance. The sun of science 
has risen-all who will can be warmed by its genial rays. The means 
of acquiring knowledge are far superior to those enjoyed by Sherman 
and Franklin. Let their brilliant examples be imitated by Columbia's 
sons-our far famed Republic will then be as enduring as time. Let 
ignorance, corruption, ultra party spirit and fanaticism predominate- 
then the fair fabric of our Freedom, reared by the valor and cemented 
by Ihe blood of the Revolutionary patriots-will tremble, totter and 
fall. Chaos will mount the car of discord-sound the dread clarion 
of the dissolution of our Union and Liberty will expire amidst the 
smoking ruins of her own citadel. Forbid it patriotism-forbid it phi- 
lanthropy-forbid it Almighty God ! ! my countrymen ! remember 
that with us is deposited the rich behest of LiBERTY-let us guard it 
with god-like care and transmit it to our posterity in all the loveliness 
of native purity. 



JAMES SMITH. 

Men sometimes forsake the path designed for them by their Creator 
in their manner of speaking, acting and writing. They vainly strive 
to imitate some noble personage of a higher order by nature and culti- 
vation than themselves and become poor specimens of the Ape. Some 
young men of respectable talents and acquirements-when they mount 
the rostrum, endeavor to imitate some orator of notoriety instead of 
acting out free and unvarnished nature. Originality alone gives beauty 
and force to eloquence in all its varied forms. Like a piece of marble 
under the skill of the statuary-a more systematic form may be pro- 
duced by art but the native material cannot be improved in beauty by 
the finest art-the brightest paint. Originality must form the base or 
the richness is lost. No ingenuity can remould the work of nature and 
retain the full strength of the grand original. We should profit by the 
wisdom and virtues of great and good men-improve by their precepts 
and examples-our manner in public speaking, our language, our style 
of writing-all must be original to render them forcible and interesting. 
Affectation in anything is disgusting to sensible men. It is a coin that 
cannot be palmed upon the discerning for genuine. Of all counterfeits 
this is the most readily detected. Away with this worthless trash. 
42 



330 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

If you have not gold, use silver-if neither, use copper-if you have 
only brass you need no urging to use that. 

James Smith was a fine specimen of originality and pleasing eccen- 
tricity. He was born in Ireland in 1713. His father came to this 
country when James was a boy and settled on the west side of the 
Susquehanna river nearly opposite Columbia in Pennsylvania. James 
acquired a good classical education under Dr. Allison and retained a 
great partiality for authors of antiquity to the end of his life. He 
delighted in mathematics and became an expert surveyor. After 
finishing his course of study with Dr. Allison he read law in Lancaster, 
Pennsylvania, probably with an elder brother in that town and with 
Mr. Cookson. When admitted to the bar he located in the then far 
west near the present site of Shippensburg in Cumberland County of 
that state. He blended law and surveying in accordance with the 
desire and w'ants of the frontier settlers. Large tracts of valuable 
land were held under hasty and imperfect surveys and others were 
located by chamber surveys. Litigation was the natural consequence. 
No witness could tell more truth than the compass and protractor of 
Mr. Smith which were free from prejudice and partiality. Possessed 
of a penetrating mind he scanned future prospects and secured much 
valuable land. In his compound profession he had full employment. 
He was on the flood-tide of prosperity. Not willing to sail alone he 
took for his mate Eleanor Armor of Newcastle who superintended 
his freight and cabin stores with great skill and prudence. 

Mr. Smith was original in everything. With a strong mind, an 
open and honest heart, a benevolent and manly disposition-he united 
great conviviaUty and amusing drollery-yet so discreet and chaste as 
not to offend the most modest ear. He delighted in seeing the contor- 
tions of the risible muscles which were uniformly on duty in all proper 
circles when James Smith was present. Whenever he came in con- 
tact with a pedant he would propound some ludicrous question to him 
with the utmost gravity-such as this-" Don't you remember that ter- 
rible bloody battle which Alexander fought with the Russians near the 
straits of BabelmandeH I think you will find the account in Thucy- 
dides or Herodotus." His memory was retentive and stored with nu- 
merous anecdotes which he sometimes related in court and often in 
company to amuse his friends. His manner was original beyond imi- 
tation. With all his wit and humor he held religion in great venera- 
tion and was a communicant of the church. No one that knew him 
dare utter one word against it in his presence, knowing that his cutting 
lash of keen ridicule would at once be applied. Such a mixture of 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 331 

qualities are rarely blended in one man. His mind ranged with tiie 
quickness of lightning from the deep-toned logic and the profoundest 
thought to the eccentric ludicrous-all balanced by the equilibrium of 
discretion and each used at the appropriate time and place. His man- 
ner, language, style-everything which he said or did from the most 
trivial circumstance to the momentous concerns of the nation was 
purely original. 

Of the affairs of his country James Smith was not an idlp spectator. 
No man delights in liberty and independence more than an Irishman. 
Nor have the Irish people a warm affection for mother Britain. As 
oppressed as she is, no nation is more sensitive of her rights than 
" sweet Ireland." When British oppression showed its hydra head in 
the American Colonies Mr. Smith took a terrible dislike to the baste and 
declared he would make fight unless it withdrew its visible deformity 
at once. His heart beat high for his adopted country-he came promptly 
to the rescue. At that time he resided at York and was extensively 
engaged in iron works and pressed with professional business. He had 
never consented to fill public stations. Nothing but the importance of 
the crisis could have induced him to enter the public arena. He rea- 
soned as did Josiah Quincy that-" We must be grossly ignorant of the 
importance and value of the prize for which we contend-we must be 
equally ignorant of the power of those who have combined against us- 
we must be blind to that malice, inveteracy and insatiable revenge 
which actuate our enemies, public and private, abroad and in our 
midst-to hope we shall end this controversy without the sharpest- 
sharpest conflicts-to flatter ourselves that popular resolves, popular 
harangues, popular acclamations and popular vapor will vanquish our 
foes. Let us consider the issue— let us look to the end." 

Mr. Smith was a man who looked at the beginning and ending. He 
examined closely causes, effects and results. He understood humau 
nature and knew well the pulsations of the colonists. He believed the 
bone and sinew of the land would never yield to the tyranny of mother 
Britain without a " sharp conflict." For that conflict he was prepared. 
He well knew that there was but little sinecure mushroom dandy stock 
on hand-that the great mass was bone and sinew of the first water. 
He was for prompt action. A convention of delegates from each 
county in the state was convened to consider the course proposed by 
the patriots of New England when the Revolutionary storm had com- 
menced its precursory droppings. Of this convention Mr. Smith was 
a prominent member and one of the committee that prepared an ad- 
dress to the menibers of the general Assembly recommending them to 



332 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

appoint delegates to the proposed general Congress with the following 
instructions which specify the grievances complained of. 

" We desire you therefore-that the deputies you appoint nnay be 
instructed by you strenuously to exert themselves at the ensuing Con- 
gress to obtain a renunciation on the part of Great Britain of all the 
powers under the statute of 35th Henry VIII. ch. 2d-of all the powers 
of internal legislation-of imposing duties or taxes internal or external 
and of regulating trade except with respect to any new articles of 
commerce which the Colonies may hereafter raise-as silk, wine, &c. 
reserving a right to carry them from one colony to another-a repeal 
of all statutes for quartering troops in the colonies or subjecting them 
to any expense on account of such troops-of all statutes imposing du- 
ties to be paid in the colonies that were passed at the accession of his 
present majesty or before this time, whichever period shall be judged 
most advisable-of the statutes giving the Courts of Admiralty in the 
Colonies greater power than the Courts of Admiralty in England-of 
the Statutes of 5th George II. ch. 22d and of the 23d of George II. ch. 
29th-of the statute for shutting up the Port of Boston and of every 
other statute particularly affecting the province of Massachusetts Bay 
passed in the last session of Parliament. If all the terms abovemen- 
tioned cannot be obtained, it is our opinion that the measures adopted 
by the Congress for our relief should never be relinquished or inter- 
mitted until those relating to the troops-internal legislation-imposition 
of taxes or duties hereafter-the 35th of Henry VIII. ch. 2d-the exten- 
sion of Admiralty Courts-the Port of Boston and the Province of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay are obtained. Every modification or qualification of 
these points in our judgment should be inadmissible." 

By these instructions, directly from the people, we can judge of the 
feeling that pervaded the great mass of the yeomanry at that time. By 
referring to the instructions given to the delegates to Congress by the 
general Assembly, it will be seen that royal influence pervaded that 
body as they contain scarcely a feature or point similar to those from 
the primary convention of the people. See them in the life of Ross. 
That the reader may more fully understand the points referred to in 
the instructions above copied I will explain the statutes alluded to in 
their order. 

By the statute of 35th Henry VIII. ch. 2d a citizen of America was 
liable to be arrested and taken to England to be tried for high crimes. 
By the 5th of George II. ch. 23d the colonists were prohibited from ex- 
porting hats and hatters were limited to a specific number of appren- 
tices-" that hatting may be better encouraged in Great Britain." The 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 6d6 

Statute 23d George II. ch. 29th imposed similar but more numerous 
restrictions-the whole and the other particulars named in the instruc- 
tions being in violation of the constitution of England and of the char- 
ters predicated upon it. Constitutional and charter privileges had 
grown sacred by long and acknowledged usage, by learned and legal 
construction and by numerous declaratory Acts of the British Parlia- 
ment passed when sitting under the mantle of reason, justice and sound 
policy. So fully convinced was Mr. Smith of the true issue between 
the Colonies and mother Britain that on his return home he raised a 
company of volunteers and was elected captain by acclamation. This 
was the pioneer company of Pennsylvania raised for the purpose of 
confronting the ugly baste-tyra.nny. It was nine months before the 
bloody affair at Lexington, showing that Mr. Smith had arrived at a 
correct conclusion as to the true issue. He introduced thorough dis- 
cipline in his new corps and imparted to every member the same patri- 
otic fire that illuminated his own noble soul. Around this military nu- 
cleus the bone and sinew continued to rally until a regiment was raised. 
Mr. Smith accepted the honorary title of Colonel but imposed the ac 
tive commanding duties upon a younger man. He had put the ball in 
motion and was gratified to see it rolling onward with increasing mo- 
mentum towards the goal of Liberty. When the time arrived for 
action this regiment did honor to all concerned. 

Mr. Smith was a member of the next people's convention which con- 
vened at Philadelphia in January 1775. He was one of the foremost 
to oppose force to force and peril life for freedom. He was called an 
ultra whig and accused of treating the government of his most Christian 
majesty indecorously. His patriotism had carried him six months in 
advance of most of the leading men. No one could outstrip him in 
zeal in the cause of equal rights. His course was onward-right on- 
ward to action. For this the time soon arrived. In the spring of 1776 
he was on a committee with Dr. Rush and Col. Bayard to organize a 
camp of 4500 troops to be raised in Pennsylvania. No man was better 
calculated to render efficient service in this important branch of busi- 
ness. The committee immediately prepared an appeal to the yeoman 
military which was approved by Congress and widely circulated. It 
was written in bold and forcible language pointing to the Independence 
of the Colonies as the great incentive to action. It had a powerful and 
salutary effect and met with a response from the people that caused the 
hirelings of the crown to fly from the province like chaff before the 
wind. The complement of men was promptly raised. 

Almost simultaneous with the promulgation of the Declaration of In- 



334 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

dependence by Congress a convention of delegates convened for the 
purpose of raising the arch of a republican constitution and govern- 
ment over the Keystone State. Of this convention Mr. Smith was a 
prominent member and one of the committee that prepared the Decla- 
ration of Rights. For this the committee had the guidance of a polar 
star that had been brought to light by the illustrious Jefferson and 
placed in the cerulean canopy of Liberty by the Sages of Congress a 
few days previous. The ultraism of Mr. Smith had become an ad- 
mired quality and was surnamed patriotism by the very persons who 
had misconceived it a few months previous. His zeal and worth were 
then properly appreciated. On the 20th of July he was elected to the 
Continental Congress without an intimation to him of the intended 
honor until he was officially notified of the fact. Being at the State 
convention in Philadelphia he imtpediately took his seat-enrolled his 
name with the apostles of Liberty upon the chart of freedom and then 
returned to the convention and essentially aided in completing the new 
government of the State. 

Early in October he fully assumed his congressional duties. The 
instructions to the congressional delegates had become reversed in two 
short years. The first clause is worthy of special notice and should 
be printed in bold relievo and placed over both chairs in Congress-there 
to remain through all congressional time. Read and ponder it well ye 
public men who think more of your personal concerns than the business 
of your constituents. 

" The immense and irreparable injury which a free country may 
sustain by and the great inconveniences which always arise from a 
delay of its councils, induce us in the first place strictly to enjoin and 
require you to give not only a constant but a punctual attendance in 
Congress." 

At the commencement of our free government the will of the people 
was respected and obeyed. Their public servants were not then their 
political masters. Committee rooms were not then diverted from their 
legitimate use by partisan caucuses. The halls of legislation were not 
then the forum of chaos, personal crimination-recrimination and unpar- 
liamentary procedure. The mantle of infantile purity was then hanging 
from the shoulders of those in high stations in all the beauty of tasteful 
drapery. Pi'o bono publico was the order of the day-pro libertate patricB 
was the motto of each freeman. Mr. Smith obeyed his instructions to 
the letter. He entered with all his might upon the work set before 
him. A dark gloom hung over the cause of Liberty at that time. 
Many of its warmest friends considered success quite problematical. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 335 

At such a time the sprightliness and proverbial drollery of Mr. Smith 
were a talismanic antidote against despondency. Always cheerful 
and elastic-spicing his conversations in private and his speeches in the 
forum with original wit and humor-he imparted convivial life to those 
around him. Amidst the waves of misfortune and the breakers of dis- 
appointment-like a buoy upon the ocean, he floated above them all and 
pointed the mariners of Liberty to the port of Freedom. The follow- 
ing extract of a letter written to his wife when Congress was on the 
point of retreating before Gen. Howe shows that no hyppish feelings 
cramped the elasticity of his mind. 

"If Mr. Wilson comes through York give him a flogging -he 
should have been here a week ago. I expect to come home before 
election-my three months are nearly up. General left this on Thurs- 
day-I wrote to you by Col. Kennedy. 

" This morning I put on the red jacket under my shirt. Yesterday I 
dined at Mr. Morris's and got wet coming home and my shoulder got 
troublesome, but by running a hot smoothing iron over it three times it 
got better. This is a new and cheap cure. My respects to all friends 
and neighbors-my love to the children. 

" I am your loving husband whilst 

" James Smith. 
" Congress Chamber, 1 1 o'clock." 

• On the 23d of November 1776 Mr. Smith was placed on the com- 
mittee to devise means for reinforcing the American army and for ar- 
resting the destructive career of Gen. Howe. The powers of this com- 
mittee were very properly transferred to Washington soon after. He 
was on the committee that laid before Congress conclusive testimony 
of the inhuman treatment of the American prisoners at New York. 
The ensuing year he declined a re-election but his constituents in- 
formed him he was public property and must be used nolens vokns. 
He obeyed their will and continued at his post with unabated zeal and 
industry. When Congress was compelled to retreat to York he closed 
his office against his clients and placed in it the Board of War. He 
sacrificed all private interests that would promote the glorious cause 
of Liberty. In November 1778 he resigned his seat in Congress and 
for a season enjoyed the comforts of domestic life. Being advanced in 
years and having full confidence in the ability of the United States, 
aided by the French, to maintain Independence-formed his excuse for 
leaving the field of his arduous labors. In 1780 he consented to serve 



336 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

in the State Legislature. He then retired finally from the public arena. 
He continued to pursue his professional business successfully and pro- 
fitably up to 1800 having been a member of the bar for sixty years. 
His eccentricity, wit and humor retained all the freshness of originality 
to the end of his life. He was a great admirer of the illustrious Wash- 
ington. A castigation from his ironical tongue was the certain conse- 
quence to any one who spoke against religion or Washington in his 
presence at any time or place. Upon these two points he was very 
sensitive. The former he adored-the latter he revered. He corre- 
sponded regularly with Franklin and several others of the patriarch 
sages of '76. He had preserved a rich cabinet of letters, all of which 
were burnt with his office about a year before his death. 

Surrounded by an affectionate family and a large circle of ardent 
friends~this happy son of Erin glided smoothly down the stream of time 
until the 11th day of July 1806 when his frail bark was anchored in the 
bay of death-his immortal spirit in the haven of bliss. In life he was 
useful-in death happy. In .life he was loved and honored-in death his 
loss was deeply mourned. His exit from earth left a blank not readily 
filled. His public and private character were unsullied by a spot or 
wrinkle. When living he was the life of every circle in which he 
moved-no one who knew him could forget him when dead. Ennui 
could not live in his presence. He was warm hearted, kind, affectionate 
and a friend to the poor. He never entertained malice. He used his 
opponents much as a playful kitten does a mouse-teasing without a 
desire to hurt them-a propensity that rendered him more formidable than 
a knight of the sword and pistols. Such pure originals as James Smith 
are like the inimitable paintings of the ancient artists-few in market and 
hard to be copied. 



JOHN STARK. 

Ingratitude is the extract of baseness, the essence of blackness, the 
ergot of meanness, a concentrated poison, the spawn of a demon-the fuel 
of Pandemonium. Its breath is pestilence, its touch is palsy. Of all the 
vile acts of man towards man none throw such a freezing chill over the 
whole body and drive back the rushing blood upon the aching heart like 
base and damning ingratitude. Indifference continued, coldness perse- 
vered in, favors forgotten, friendship unrequited and sometimes cruel 
abuse-from onetvho has been the willing recipient of our love, bounty 
and voluntary aid-brings a palsying horror over the soul that thickens 



OF THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 337 

the purple current in the veins making the head sick and the heart 
faint. 

A nation may be ungrateful as well as an individual. Thus it was 
with England towards the American Colonies. In addition to contributing 
to the support of the home government of the mother country, much 
blood and treasure were expended by the Americans in conquering 
Canada for the special benefit of Great Britain. It was owned by the 
French who were long the common enemy of the English. Immediately 
after that conquest the most ungrateful and unjust oppression vyas com- 
menced by the ministry of England upon her Colonies here. To cap the 
climax-the very Indians the Americans had conquered and made allegiant 
to the mother country-that cruel mother employed to murder and scalp 
those who had aided her. A premium was given for scalps-noi for 
prisoners. 

Among those who essentially aided in the conquest of the Canadas was 
John Stark, born in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on the 25th of 
August 1728 O. S. When John was but eight years of age his father 
removed to what is now called Manchester. Clearing land and an 
occasional hunting or fishing excursion with his father was the business 
of John in early life. In this manner the tide of time carried him along 
until the 28th of April 1752 when he was taken prisoner by the St. 
Francois Indians. He left home with two others to visit their beaver 
traps and at the time of his capture was separated from them. The 
savages ordered him to lead them to his companions which he pretended 
to do but led them two miles in the opposite direction. Their position 
was discovered by the discharge of their guns to call Stark to then. 
The Indians proceeded below where their boat was moored and ordered 
Stark to hail them when they approached. He did so and told them to 
escape to the opposite shore. They attempted to do so-one of them was 
immediately shot and killed-the other Stark saved by snatching the gun 
from the Indian who aimed at him for which he was most cruelly treated. 
His companion was then taken prisoner. In about six weeks they were 
ransomed and restored to their anxious friends. Thus ended his first 
lesson in the school of peril. 

In the winter of 1753 the Court of New Hampshire sent an exploring 
expedition into Coos County and employed young Stark as pilot to the 
company. He performed his undertaking to the entire satisfaction ot 
all concerned. In 1754 a party was sent to the upper part of this county 
to learn if the French were erecting a fortification-if so, the reason why. 
Stark was again employed as conductor and led the expedition upon the 
track he travelled when a prisoner. On the commencement of hostilities 
43 



338 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

with the French and Indians in 1755 he was commissioned a Lieutenant 
under Captain Rodgers whose boldness and enterprise were in unison 
with those of Stark. They speedily raised a company of brave hardy 
men and were ordered to join the regiment at Fort Edward. They 
arrived shortly after Sir William Johnson was attacked by the French 
and Indians near Bloody Pond. In the fall the troops returned to their 
homes. In the winter of 1756 a corps of rangers was raised to protect 
the frontier settlements. Rodgers and Stark were put in command and 
repaired to Fort Edward in April with their company. Nothing worthy 
of note occurred until the winter of 1757 when this company and two 
others were ordered to seize the supplies on the way from Crown Point 
to Ticonderoga. The Colonial troops had taken a few sleighs and were 
on their way to Fort George when they were furiously attacked by the 
combined force of the French and Indians. A desperate and bloody 
battle was fought-Captain Spickman was killed and Captain Rodgers 
severely wounded. The entire command then devolved upon Lieut. 
Stark. Being overpowered by numbers he ordered a retreat. With the 
coolness and skill of an experienced veteran he drew off his men keeping 
the enemy at a respectful distance by a well directed fire when too 
closely pressed. He brought away all his wounded men and had them 
conveyed in sleighs to Fort George. He was at once elected to fill the 
place of Captain Spickman. The next spring he was ordered to New 
York where he suffered severely from the small pox and was unfit for 
duty until the next autumn when he returned and wintered at Fort 
Edward. 

In 1758 Gen. Abercrombie planned an attack upon Ticonderoga. 
The rangers under Major Rodgers were sent forward to reconnoitre 
the enemy and make way for the main body of troops. The evening 
previous to that fatal attack the Major received orders to carry the 
bridge between Lake George and the plains of Tie early the next 
morning. On the approach of the rangers the French and Indians 
were assembled in force to dispute their passage. A halt was made- 
Capt. Stark advised the Major to advance rapidly by which means the 
bridge was cleared instantly. During the whole of that sanguinary 
action no officer manifested more cool and determined bravery than 
Capt. Stark. The Colonial troops were defeated which ended that 
campaign. It was an unfortunate affair inspiring the Indians with 
boldness in their career of predatory warfare. 

Early in 1759 Capt. Stark obtained leave of absence and hastened to 
his fond parents and friends. Above all he consummated his plighted 
vows to Elizabeth Page who he promptly led to the hymeneal altar in 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 330 

the good old fashioned way. The tables were covered with spare-ribs 
baked pork and beans, pumpkin pies, short cake, gingerbread and 
dough-nuts. Snfiiling faces, hearty kisses and good wishes had free 
course and were not crannped into nonentity by modern etiquette. Im- 
ported refinement has been frittering away the richest enjoyments of 
American life for the last fifty years. 

The ensuing spring he repaired to his post in the army and added to 
his military fame in the reduction of Crown Point and Tie. He served 
to the end of the French war and saw the English standard wave tri- 
umphantly over the Canadas. His bravery forced unqualified applause 
from his superiors who were subsequently compelled to witness a new 
edition of his military tactics fresh from the font of liberty. 

At the consummation of the conquest of the Canadas he retired to 
the bosom of his family where he drank deeply of the untold joys of 
domestic felicity until British tyranny roused him to action in a nobler 
cause. He had fought in the army of the mother country until her 
most hated enemy had been conquered on the heights of Abraham. 
He had been her faithful subject but was not willing to become her 
slave. He boldly opposed the usurpations of the crown and kindled 
the fire of patriotism in all around him who had courage to be free. 
He was prudent but firm as the granite rock. He hoped for the best- 
prepared for the worst. He delighted in the sunshine of peace but held 
himself ready to meet the fury of the impending storm should it burst 
upon his beloved country. He pointed his neighbors to the dark clouds 
as they rose higher and blacker and urged them to prepare for the ap- 
proaching crisis. Soon American blood stained the heights of Lexing- 
ton-the cry-to arms / to arins !-ven\. the air and was carried, as on 
wings of mighty wind, to the remotest bounds of the down-trodden colo- 
nies. 

On the reception of this heart-rending news Capt. Stark mounted his 
horse and hastened to the scene of action. On his way he imparted 
patriotic fire to those he met urging them to rally at Medford where he 
would meet them on his return. Large numbers assembled there with 
their rusty muskets, powder-horns and slugs. By acclamation he was 
made their leader with the rank of Colonel aided by Lieut. Col. Wy- 
man and Maj. McClary. Ten large companies promptly rallied around 
him with hearts beating high for their injured bleeding country. The 
necessary discipline was introduced-all were anxious to learn military 
tactics. Shortly after the organization of his regiment Col. Stark was 
ordered by Gen. Ward to examine Noodle's Island for the purpose of 
locating a battery. With two other officers he repaired to the place 



340 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

designated and returned under a brisk but harmless fire from a British 
boat in close pursuit. At the battle of Bunker's Hill his regiment seemed 
invincible. Unbroken and undismayed-his brave soldiers repelled the 
repeated attacks of the enemy with dreadful slaughter. When ordered 
to retreat his men reluctantly obeyed the command. 

In the service of enlisting troops and obtaining supplies for the army 
Col. Stark had no superior. His influence was broad and commanding. 
When Boston was evacuated he marched his regiment to New York 
to aid in erecting fortifications. The ensuing May he was ordered to 
Canada. In June he met his troops at St. Johns and proceeded to the 
mouth of the Sorrel. The unfortunate expedition to Three Rivers was 
undertaken contrary to his advice. At Chamblee he and his men ren- 
dered essential service to the troops at that place then sufl^ering under 
the small-pox. From there he crossed over to Chimney Point and en- 
camped. When ordered to Ticonderoga by Gen. Schuyler he drew up 
a formal remonstrance assigning his specific objections and correctly 
pointed out the disasters that must and did render the expedition abor- 
tive. On presenting his views to the General he obeyed the order. 
When Gen. Gates took command of the northern army he placed Col. 
Stark over a brigade. Towards the close of that campaign Congress 
was led into the error of raising several younger Colonels to Briga- 
diers-a violation of common justice-a source of discord in the army. 
About the same time Col. Stark marched into Pennsylvania and joined 
Washington a few days before the battle of Trenton. So poorly shod 
and disheartened were the. soldiers that then composed the mere nu- 
cleus of the American army, that they melted the snow with gushing 
blood from their feet and scalding tears from their eyes. At the battle 
of Trenton Col. Stark led the vanguard and contributed largely towards 
obtaining the most important victory of the Revolution. At Princeton 
he was equally efficient. On retiring to winter quarters at Morristown 
Washington despatched him to his native state to raise recruits and 
supplies. In April he was surprised to learn that a new roll of promo- 
tions had been made out and his name omitted. He was too patriotic 
to complain-too high-minded to submit to such ingratitude. He sur- 
rendered his commission and retired to his farm-still urging every man 
to action in the cause of Liberty. 

When New Hampshire was called upon to furnish men to oppose the 
onward march of Burgoyne Gen. Stark was urged to take command 
of her troops. He informed the Council he was willing to lead the 
troops where duty called but would not place himself under any power 
but that of his own stale. His terms were promptly accepted. The 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 341 

brave Stark was immediately under way with an independent corps of 
dauntless soldiers who were ready lo follow him through storms of iron 
hail and British thunder. He encamped at Bennington, Vermont, 
where he was waited upon by Maj. Gen. Lincoln who had orders to 
conduct the New Hampshire troops to head-quarters. The Maj. Gen. 
found himself in the wrong box and returned to Gen. Gates who com- 
plained to Congress and Washington that Gen. Stark was bent on fight- 
ing upon his own hook which he was permitted to do with great effect. 
Apprised of this apparent discord Burgoyne despatched Col. Baum to 
cut off the Americans by detail. Gen. Stark determined to give the 
illustrious visitant a warm reception. On the 13th of August 1777 
Baum encamped on an eminence near the town and erected a breast- 
work of logs-his ardor for a sudden attack having abated. Early the 
next morning Gen. Stark formed his troops into two divisions of attack 
and a reserve. The two divisions advanced upon the front and rear 
of the enemy at the same time and drove them so rapidly upon the 
reserve that many were killed and most of the balance taken prisoners. 
In a short time a formidable reinforcement approached from the British 
army ready to snatch the laurels of victory from the Americans. At 
that critical moment Col. Warner advanced with his bold Green Moun- 
tain boys and kept a far superior nuniber at bay until Gen. Stark could 
bring all his men into action that could be spared from guarding the 
prisoners. The red coats were routed and were so generous as to 
leave their artillery for the use of the patriots. A considerable number 
of prisoners were taken in the second engagement-the mantle of night 
saved many more from the same fate. As Gen. Burgoyne advanced, 
Gen. Stark retired to the vicinity of the American army to take part 
in a general engagement which he saw must soon occur. 

On the 15th September his term of service expired when he returned 
home with his troops. He immediately reported himself to the council 
and urged the necessity of sending new recruits at once to aid in 
capturing the British army. In a few days he joined Gen. Gates with 
a stronger force than before. He was in favor of a bold movement 
and placed his troops in the rear to cut off all communication with 
Lake George. The surrender of Gen. Burgoyne took place soon after 
when Gen. Stark returned home with his troops. Shortly after his 
return Congress commissioned him to prepare an expedition against 
Canada making his head quarters at Albany, New York. He per- 
formed the duties assigned him with promptness and fidelity. The 
project was abandoned and he permitted to return to his family. 
Early in 177S he was put in command of the northern deparlnient 



342 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

which was in a chaotic condition-with but few troops to protect an 
extensive frontier-a combination of tories, peculators, defaulters and 
reckless speculators around him-all tending to render his situation 
unpleasant and embarrassing. He commenced a rigid reform and 
continued in the vigorous discharge of his duty until October when he 
joined Gen. Gates in Rhode Island where he continued until the close 
of that campaign. During the ensuing winter he was engaged in 
raising recruits and supplies for the army. The next spring he was 
stationed in Rhode Island to attend to. any calls that might be made 
by the enemy and received all their visiting parties with such marked 
promptitude and attention that they took final leave in November. 
About this time he was ordered to join Gen. Washington in New 
Jersey with such troops as could be spared from the garrison. Tlie 
campaign closed without the anticipated battle and Gen. Stark was 
put upon his usual winter service of obtaining recruits and supplies 
for the army. Early in the ensuing May he joined Washington at 
Morristown and was in the battle of the Short Hills. Gen. Washington 
found it necessary to send him back to New England to obtain more 
recruits and supplies and concentrate them at West Point. This duty 
he performed nobly and successfully. He then repaired to his troops 
at the Liberty Pole in New Jersey. In September he joined Gen. 
St. Clair. Shortly after that he was ordered to advance near York 
Island with 2500 men and a large train of wagons and secure all the 
grain and forage possible and remain their for further orders. He was 
completely successful, returning to West Point with a large supply of 
necessaries for the army. On his return he was reduced very low by 
sickness which rendered him unfit for duty until the next spring when 
he was put in command of the northern department. He found it in 
a worse condition than when he took charge of it previously. Tories, 
spies, traitors and robbers were acting in concert with the enemy in 
Canada. Energetic measures were required and adopted, A military 
post was established at Saratoga. A leader of the plunderers was 
arrested and his company secured. A British Lieutenant's commission 
was found upon his person-he was tried by a court martial-condemned 
as a spy and hung the next day. His friends were threatening and 
noisy-a copy of the proceedings was sent to Washington-received his 
unqualified approbation and placed Gen. Stark in a position to restore 
the department to a healthy tone. He continued at that station until 
after the surrender of Cornwallis when he returned to his native stale 
for the winter to raise recruits and supplies. It is believed Gen. Stark 
did more in this service than any one individual during the Revolution. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 343 

Deservedly popular, a patriot of the first water, an officer of cool 
undaunted bravery and great skill-he exerted a large and salutary 
influence. He was very successful during the winter and reported 
himself to Gen. Washington early in April-receiving the hearty thanks 
of the commander-in-chief for his faithful services during the struggle 
for freedom. At West Point he closed his long and useful military 
career-took an affectionate leav6 of his companions in arms-urged upon 
his troops the propriety of returning to their homes in peaceful and 
dignified order and of preserving pure and untarnished the rich laurels 
that decked their manly browsi He was greeted with enthusiastic 
applause and tears of affection unknown to the present era. He 
returned to the warm embrace of his dear family and bid a last fare- 
well to public life. His advice was often asked and wisely imparted 
in public affairs. Quietly and happily he passed down the current of 
time until the 8th day of May 1822 when his frail bark of earth was 
moored in the port of death-his immortal spirit in the haven of 
eternal rest. 

In all the private relations of life Gen. Stark was pure beyond all 
suspicion. He was worthy, virtuous, amiable and honest in the fullest 
sense of these terms. In reviewing his life we are carried back to 
that eventful era when the pilgrim fathers held their lives by a slender 
tenure amidst the red men of the wilderness that they might enjoy that 
liberty of conscience which is the inalienable gift of God. If all could 
but faintly realize the value of the blood and treasure that our Liberty 
cost-the reckless party spirit that is now stripping that Liberty of its 
richest foliage, would be banished from the heart of every reflecting 
man-patriotism would revive like drooping plants after a summer 
shower-demagogues would find their proper level and disorganizers 
have permission to stay at home or make an excursion up salt river. 
Then we might more fondly hope for the perpetuity of our glorious 
UNION-the preservation of that Freedom which has been sacredly 
transmitted to our care. 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 

Discretion is wisdom put in practice. It is the development of a 
sound judgment and good heart. It seeks a happy equilibrium in all 
♦.hings-aims at pure happiness in time and futurity-seeks to accom- 
plish noble ends by honorable means-shuns every appearance of evil- 
meets the ills flesh is heir to wnh Christian fortitude and resignatioj. 



344 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

It applies me touch stone of plain common sense and Revelation to 
everything. The discreet man discerns what is clearly right and has 
moral courage and energy to pursue it. He is cool, deliberate, resolute, 
strong, efficient. He practices economy without parsimony, benevo- 
lence without ostentation, sincerity without dissimulation, goodness 
without affectation, religion without hypocrisy, power without abuse. 

Parents should teach this sterling virtue to their children by precept 
and example. Teachers should enforce it upon their pupils as the 
helm of human action. It should be the bright morning star in the 
political arena-legislative halls-cabinet-executive chamber-interna- 
tional intercourse-courts of justice-seminaries of learning-pulpit-social 
meetings-domestic circle-family government-juvenile nursery-in short- 
discretion should regulate all our conduct for time and eternity. 

So thought and so acted Richard Stockton, born near Princeton,New 
Jersey, in October 1730. His great grandfather of the same name 
came from England in 1670-purehased some 7000 acres of land near 
Princeton and in 1682 effected the first European settlement made in 
that part of the Province. On this estate the Stockton family continued 
to reside happily until driven off by the army of Lord Howe. 

Under the instruction of the celebrated Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, 
Principal of West Nottingham Academy in Maryland, the talents of 
Richard were rapidly and strongly developed in early youth. From 
that seminary he went to the college at Princeton and graduated at the 
first annual commencement of Nassau Hall in 1748. At the age of 
eighteen he commenced the study of law under David Ogden then at 
the head of the New Jersey bar. He studied closely for six years 
when he was admitted fully prepared for the practice of law. How 
different the course of law students now. Two years of superficial 
study is deemed a hardship by some young men. A mere smattering 
of the elementary principles is imprinted on their memories not on their 
understandings. A collegiate diploma and influential friends are thrown 
into the dangerous breach, a slight examination is made-the young 
men not the young lawyers^ are admitted to the bar, fully prepared to 
create litigation and lead their clients into the vortex of error and 
trouble-perhaps ruin them. 

Not so with Mr. Stockton. Years of toil had prepared him to 
become a safe and judicious 'adviser. He could clearly discern the 
right and wrong between litigants-then kindly enforce the one and 
correct the other by sound reasoning and a lucid exposition of the 
principles of law and equity applicable to the case. Such lawyers are 
peace makers-a blessing in community. The reverse are cancers upon 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 345 

S50ciety-an annoyance to courts the sepulchres of their clients' money- 
living nuisances in the commoving mass. 

Mr. Stockton opened an office at his paternal mansion and rose 
rapidly to the zenith of professional eminence. His fame expanded 
so widely that he was frequently employed to try important suits in 
other colonies. In 1763 he was honored with the degree of Sergeant 
at Law. In 1766, he closed his professional career richly rewarded 
for his faithful and arduous labors. He committed the settlement of 
his business and his practice to Elias Boudinot who had married his 
sister and who was well qualified to follow in the steps of his illus- 
trious predecessor. 

Anxious to further enrich his mind, in June of that year he embarked 
for Europe and arrived safely at London. His legal fame had been 
spread in that country-his visit was anticipated and he was received 
by the dignitaries of England with marked attention. He was pre- 
sented at the Court of St. James by one of the Cabinet members and 
delivered to the King an address from the College of New Jersey, 
expressive of their joy at the repeal of the peace disturbing Stamp Act. 

During his stay in Europe he rendered lasting service to this college 
by inducing Dr. Witherspoon to become its President pursuant to his 
recent election to that station-adding another brilliant star to the list 
of high minded talented patriots who nobly conceived, boldly prose- 
cuted and gloriously consummated the emancipation of the colonies. 
During his visit he communicated freely with the statesmen of England 
who were friendly to the cause of constitutional rights and confirmed 
them more strongly in favor of the Americans. 

In February following he visited Edinburgh where he received the 
kindest attention from those in commission who gave him the freedom 
of the city and a magnificent public dinner at which he delivered an 
eloquent and thrilling speech-fully sustaining his reported forensic 
fame-more than realizing their most sanguine anticipations. His 
company was courted by the most scientific of that ancient seat of 
learning. He was made the honored and welcome guest of every 
nobleman on whom he could call 

He also visited Dublin and received the hearty Irish welcome so 
characteristic of that warm hearted nation. The oppressed situation 
of that down trodden people convinced him more strongly of the tate 
that awaited his native country if she yielded to the imperious and 
humiliating demands of the British ministry. His noble resolves were 
then and there made-he was prepared for future action. 

Mr. Stockton was surprised to find so few in England who under 
44 



346 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Stood the situation and character of the Americans-the English were 
astonished to find so- great a man from the western wilderness. Mis- 
apprehension often produces disastrous consequences to individuals ana 
nations. The comprehensive mind of this philanthropist readily saw 
the result of this ignorance of the people of the mother country relative 
to the colonists and embraced every opportunity to dispel this dark mist 
that hung over the land of his ancestors like the mantle of night. With 
many he succeeded-but when those who wield the destiny of a nation 
are wading in corruption-breathing the atmosphere of tyranny-influ- 
enced by sordid avarice-thirsting for a stretch of power-delighting in 
cruelty and oppression-they dethrone reason-would dethrone Jehovah 
if they could-defy justice-trample on constitutions and laws-stop at 
nothing to accomplish their demoniac purposes. Thus acted the Bri- 
tish ministers when they turned a deaf ear to the petitions and remon- 
strances of the Americans and the wise counsels and warning voices 
of the ablest statesmen in their Parliament. With untiring industry 
and determined perseverance they wove the web of our Independence 
and gave it an enduring and beautiful texture before unknown. 

The mind of Mr. Stockton was enriched and embellished by his va- 
ried intercourse with the great men of the United Kingdom. He had 
listened to the forensic eloquence and powerful arguments of Black- 
stone and the other celebrated pleaders in Westminster Hall. He had 
treasured his mind with the clear and erudite decisions of the learned 
judges who then graced the English bench. He had witnessed the en- 
rapturing rhetoric of Chatham-the logical genius of Burke-the fasci- 
nating manners of Chesterfield and saw Garrick on the fliood tide of his 
glory. 

After an absence of a little over a year he embarked for home and 
arrived in September 1767. He was received with demonstrations of 
the liveliest joy by his fellow citizens and with great kindness and af- 
fection by his relatives. 

In consequence of the high opinion of his talents entertained by the 
king he appointed him to a seat in the Supreme Judiciary and Execu- 
tive Council in 1769. In 1774 he was appointed an associate judge 
of the Supreme Court with David Ogden his law preceptor. Two 
better judges could not have been selected for the people-but to the 
king they ultimately became as obnoxious as a crown of thorns and 
plume of thistles. 

The revolutionary storm was gathering. Dark clouds were rolling 
into a conglomerated mass. An awful crisis had arrived. The flames 
of revenge were spreading like fire on a prairie in autumn. Mr. Stock- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 347 

ton was a favorite of the crown. It became necessary for him to 
choose whom he would serve. The immense influence he wielded 
made his decision of great importance to the king and Colonies. Now 
came the test of patriotism. Sordid self and inflated aristocracy could 
have had no difficulty in deciding. Nor had he, but came to a very 
diflTerent conclusion from most of the crown officers. He knew much 
of the mother country-he knew and loved his own better. The pomp 
of kings and pageantry of courts had no charms for him. He was a 
republican, a patriot, a friend of Liberty. In her cause he promptly 
enlisted-under her banner he took his stand willing to sacrifice kingly 
favor, property and life in defence of the sacred rights of his bleeding 
injured country. He carried with him his friend, Rev. Dr. Wither- 
spoon, both of whom were elected to the Continental Congress in June 
1776, just in time to immortalize their names by recording them on the 
Magna Charta of our rights. Mr. Stockton was among its boldest ad- 
vocates, brandishing the amputating knife fearlessly in public and pri- 
vate circles. Nor did he stand alone. The members of that body soon 
acquired the art of cutting five and six. They forged and finished a 
blade, pure as Damascus steel and placed it in the hands of their pro- 
scribed President. At one bold stroke the cords of parental authority 
were cut asunder. America was redeemed, regenerated and free. 
Liberty dipped her golden pen in the cerulean font of justice and re- 
corded the names of the fifty-seven upon the shining tablet of enduring 
fame. Heaven smiled its approbation-angels shouted for joy-nations 
gazed with admiring wonder-every patriot responded a loud-AiwEN ! 1 ! 

Tiie rich store of information, matured experience, soaring talent 
and enrapturing eloquence of Mr. Stockton-rendered him one of the 
most useful members of that Congress. His acute knowledge of law, 
political economy, human nature, chartered rights and of men and 
things-commanded the respect and esteem of all his colleagues. He 
performed every duty with zeal, industry and integrity. In the au- 
tumn of 1776 he was sent with George Clymer to inspect the northern 
army, with power to supply its wants and correct any existing abuses. 
In the able discharge of this duty they had the approbation of Congress 
and the army. 

Soon after his return Mr. Stockton was called to remove his family 
to save his wife and children from the proverbial brutality of the ap- 
proaching enemy. In the eflbrt to do this he was taken prisoner and 
in the most inhuman manner taken to New York and consigned to the 
common prison. He was deprived of every comfort-kept twenty-four 
hours without any provision and then received a coarse and scanty 



348 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

supply-the British violating the laws of humanity-of nations and all 
rules of civilized w^arfare. This base treatment impaired his healtli 
and laid the foundation of disease that hastened his death. His cap- 
ture vv^as effected by the information of a Tory who was subsequently 
indicted and punished for his perfidy. 

This abuse of one of its members roused the indignation of Congress. 
Gen. Washington was directed to send a flag of truce to Gen. Howe and 
through great exertions finally obtained the release of Mr. Stockton. 
Simultaneous with his capture the demoniac enemy committed to the 
flames his extensive library, papers and everything combustible-leaving 
his highly ornamented plantation a blackened waste. 

Oppressed by want and disease he was unable again to take his seat 
in Congress but continued to be a consulted counsellor in public affairs 
at his residence near Princeton. His opinions had great weight and 
provea a national blessing. Among his complicated diseases he had a 
painful cancer upon his neck. He endured his severe afl^iction with 
Christian fortitude up to the 28th of February 1781 when death relieved 
him from pain and consigned him to the peaceful kingdom of the dead. 
At his exit to the world of spirits many warm hearts were sad-thousands 
dropped the sympathetic tear-our nation mourned the loss of a valued 
son. 

Thus prematurely closed the brilliant career of one of the bright 
luminaries of that eventful period. His science and knowledge were 
unusually extensive. He was the first Chief Justice of his state under the 
new constitution. He acquitted himself nobly in all the relations of life- 
lawyer, judge, statesman, patriot, gentleman, citizen, friend, husband, 
father, Christian and man. He was an ornament to society-an honor to 
his country and a blessing to mankind. 



THOMAS STONE. 

The man who has a just sense of the responsibilities of a high public 
office is the last to seek it. The more clearly a sensible unassuming 
man perceives the magnitude of a public trust the more he mistrusts his 
capacity to discharge its duties-yet such a man is the very one to be 
trusted. It was with great diffidence that Washington assumed the com- 
mand of the American armies. No one can be pointed out who pos- 
sessed as fully all the requisites to meet the times that tried the souls and 
Dodies of men. John Hancock quailed under his appointment to the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 349 

Presidential Chair of Congress. No one manifested more firmness in the 
cause of freedorn-no one could have filled that chair with more dignity. 

It is only in times of danger that men of the greatest worth become 
most conspicuous. They are then sought for by the virtuous portion of 
community. In times of peace and prosperity the same men may be 
called to the councils of a nation without exciting great applause whilst 
the names of noisy demagogue politicians are carried over the world on 
the wings of venal partisan prints and held up as the conservators of the 
body politic. It is at such times that our best men shrink from the 
public gaze. It is at such times that the canker worm of political 
intrigue carries on the work of death. It is at such times that pecula- 
tion stalks abroad at noon day with hideous form and unblushing 
impudence. It is at such times that the conclave caucusers consume 
the midnight oil to concoct plans to dupe the dozing people and secure to 
themselves the loaves and fishes. It is only in times of strong commotion 
and certain peril that men of sterling merit become most prominent and 
are duly appreciated. This fact was fully demonstrated during the 
American Revolution. Many were then called to deliberate in the 
solemn assemblies who had not been previously known as public men 
and who retired when the mighty work of Independence was completed. 
They were selected for their discretion, honesty, wisdom, firmness and 
patriotism.. 

Of this class was Thomas Stone, a descendant of William Stone who 
was governor of Maryland during the reign of Cromwell. He was born 
at Pointon Manor, Charles County, Maryland in 1743. He was well 
educated under the instruction of a Scotch clergyman and read law 
with Thomas Johnson of Annapolis. He commenced a successful prac- 
tice at that place and was held in high estimation by the community in 
which he lived. Modest, unassuming, industrious, a close student, a 
judicious counsellor and an honest man-he was admired and beloved for 
his substantial worth and sterling merit. He possessed a clear head, 
sound judgment and good heart. His mind was vigorous, analyzing, 
investigating and philosophical. He was a friend to equal rights and 
delighted in seeing every one happy. He detested oppression in all its 
various shades from the abuse of a worm up to the capstone of the 
climax of creation-MAN. He was patriotic, kind, noble, benevolent, 
generous. 

With such feelings he could not carelessly look upon the oppressions 
of the Grenville administration. When the Stamp Act was passed he 
was a youth in politics but the discussions upon its odiousness deeply 
interested him. He was an attentive listener and a thorough investi- 



350 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

gator. His opposition to sucii encroachments became firm. A noly 
indignation was awakened in his manly bosom and prepared him for 
future action. Still he avoided the public gaze. In private circles he 
conversed freely, lucidly and understandingly upon the subject of Ame- 
rican rights and British wrongs. But just previous to his being called 
by his country to deliberate 'in her councils could he be induced to 
mount the rostrum in the forum and display his very respectable foren- 
sic powers. When the Boston Port Bill was proclaimed Mr. Stone 
surmounted the barriers of diffidence and came out boldly against 
abused power. His example had a salutary influence upon those 
around him. All knew there must be something radically wrong-that 
some portentous cloud hung over the Colonies if Thomas Stone was 
roused to public action. In times of peril the influence of such men is 
of the highest value. The declaimer who is always on hand at public 
meetings charged with a Niagara cataract of words must be a Demos- 
thenes or Cicero to long keep a strong hold upon the hearts of the peo- 
ple. And if he does so his influence is only popular-not of that deep- 
toned kind that moves the living mass only from a deliberate conviction 
of imperative duty. The cool, the reflecting, the calculating, the timid 
and the wavering are operated upon magically when they see such a 
man as Thomas Stone go boldly forward and advocate a cause that 
they at first believed problematical. 

On the 8th of December 1774 he was elected to the Continental Con- 
gress and took his seat on the 15th of the ensuing May. The meeting 
had been deeply solemn and imposing the year before but at that time 
increased responsibilities rested upon the members. The- cry of blood 
was ringing in their ears-the fury of the revolutionary storm was in- 
creasing-the clash of arms and mortal combat had commenced-the 
vials of British wrath were unsealed-civil government was at an end. 
To meet such a crisis required the wisdom of Solon, the patriotism of 
Cincinnatus, the acuteness of Locke, the eloquence of Demosthenes and 
Cicero, the caution of Tacitus, the learning of Atticus, the energy of 
Virginius, the honesty of Socrates, the justice of Aristides, the boldness 
of Caesar, the perseverance of Hannibal, the concentrated and harmo- 
nious action of all the colonies. These qualities were all represented 
by the members of the Continental Congress to a degree that has no 
parallel in history. Mr. Stone commenced his legislative duties with 
vigor and prosecuted them with zeal. He was at first trammelled by 
instructions from the Maryland Assembly the members of which hoped 
for peace without recourse to arms. Increasing oppressions soon re- 
moved this injunction and enabled him to join in all measures calcu- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 351 

lated to promote the cause of Independence. When the millennial sun 
of LiBEFTY rose upon the new world on the 4th of July 1776 Mr. Stone 
was at his post and became a subscribing witness to the dissolution of 
that unequal partnership where the labor had been performed by one 
party and the profits consumed by the other. 

, Mr. §tone retired from Congress in 1777. He had been a faithful 
laborer in the committee rooms-an influential member in the House. 
He had bestowed much time and thought upon the Articles of Confede- 
ration and felt bound to remain until they were perfected and adopted. 
That important work completed he left the national Council carrying 
with him the esteem of his co-workers in the cause of freedom, the 
approbation of a good conscience and the gratitude of his constituents. 
In 1778 he was elected to the Maryland legislature and became an 
important and influential member. During that session the Articles of 
Confederation that he had aided in framing at the preceding Congress 
were submitted for consideration. At first they met with strong oppo- 
sition. Better understanding them Mr. Stone was able to meet every 
objection and was largely instrumental in their adoption. In 1783 he 
again took his seat in Congress and fully sustained his high reputation 
for usefulness. Devoted to the best interests of his country, free from 
political ambition, sincere in his profession of republican principles, 
frank in his intercourse, honest in his purposes-he was safely entrusted 
with every station he was called to fill. He was present when Wash- 
ington resigned his commission and retired from the field of epic glory 
to the peaceful shades of Mount Vernon amidst the loud plaudits of ad- 
miring millions and the mingled tears of joy and gratitude that stood 
like pearly dew-drops in the eyes of his countrymen and compatriots 
in arms. 

The ensuing year Mr. Stone closed his labors in Congress and retired 
from the public arena. During the last session of his services he fre- 
quently presided and was esteemed highly as President pro tempore by 
all the members for his ability, dignity and impartiaHty. As a further 
mark of esteem he was elected to the convention in 1787 that framed 
the Federal Constitution but declined any further public service and 
did not attend. On the 5th of October the same year he was suddenly 
called from the judicial Bar of Port Tobacco, Maryland, to the Bar of 
the Judge of quick and dead to render an account of his stewardship. 
His decease was deeply lamented by his numerous friends, a grateful 
nation and millions of freemen. 

Mr. Stone was cut off" in the prime of life, in the midst of a brilliant 
career of usefulness with the prospect of future honors opening brightly 



352 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

before him. He lived long enough to be extensively useful and earned 
a rich fame-imperishable as the pages of history-lasting as human in- 
telligence. From the moment he first took his place in society to the 
present-the tongue of slander or the breath of detraction have never 
attempted to cast a slur upon his reputation as a public man or private 
citizen. He was a rare model of discretion, propriety and usefulness- 
a true specimen of the Simon pure salt of the body politic, rendering 
efficient services to his country without noise or parade and without the 
towering talents of a Henry. Such men are above all price and can 
be relied upon in the hour of danger as safe sentinels to guard the best 
interests of our nation. We have more of the same sort who are living 
in retirement. Let the people break them in and bring them out that 
our UNION may be preserved. 



GEORGE TAYLOR. 

A PURELY republican government is enrapturing in theory. To re- 
duce this beautiful theory to successful operation the body politic must 
be sound and healthful in all its parts. It must be wielded by enlight- 
ened rulers whose hearts are free from guile, whose judgments are 
strong and matured, whose characters are without reproach, whose 
conduct is always consistent, whose patriotism extinguishes all self, 
whose virtue lifts them above all temptation to digress from the most 
exalted honesty and rigid morality, whose minds are stored with useful 
knowledge-large experience and whose souls are imbued with wisdom 
from above. 

In such a condition and in such hands this kind of government is 
calculated to bring out and elevate the intellectual powers of man, un- 
fold to the mind correct and liberal principles, promote social order 
and general happiness by diffusing its radiant light, its refulgent rays, 
its benign influence to the remotest bounds of the human family. In 
such a condition and in such hands it would become the solar fountain 
of mental improvement, the polar star of soaring genius, the brilliant 
galaxy of expanding science, the prolific field of religious enterprise, a 
shining light to benighted man. Its sunbeams of living light would 
warm into mellow life the ignorant, the oppressed, the forlorn. Its 
harmonious links would form a golden chain that would encircle earth 
and reach to heaven. It would be a messenger of peace inviting the 
weary pilgrims of bondage in every clime to a reposing asylum of 
peaceful, quiescent rest. This is the kind of government the Sages 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 353 

and Heroes of the American Revolution aimed to form and have per- 
petuated by posterity. 

Among those who laid the foundation and commenced the super- 
structure of our growing Republic was George Taylor, born in Ireland 
in 1716. His father was a clergyman and gave him a good education. 
He then placed him with a physician under whose direction he com- 
menced the study of medicine. Not fancying the idea of becoming a 
son of ^Esculapius he flew the course and without money or the know- 
ledge of his friends entered as a redemptioner on board a vessel bound 
for Philadelphia. Soon after his arrival his passage was paid by Mr. 
Savage of Durham, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for which George 
bound himself as a common laborer for a term of years. This gentle- 
man carried on iron works and appointed his new servant to the office 
of ^//e?-his work being to throw coal into the furnace when in blast. 
His hands became cruelly blistered but being ambitious to gain the ap- 
probation of all around him he persevered without a complaint. Learn- 
ing his situation his humane master entered into a conversation with 
him and was surprised to find him possessed of a good education and 
superior talents. He immediately promoted him to a clerkship in the 
counting house. He filled his station admirably and gained the esteem 
and friendship of all his nevv acquaintances. He endeavored to improve 
by everything he saw, heard and read. His reflecting and reasoning 
powers became rapidly developed. He made himself acquainted with 
the formula of business, the customs and laws of his adopted country 
and reduced to practice the theories he had acquired at school. To 
add to his importance in society Mr. Savage was removed by death 
and after the usual season of mourning had passed, the widow Savage 
became Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Taylor came in possession of a large 
property and a valuable and influential wife. By persevering industry 
and good management he continued to add to the estate and in a few 
years purchased a tract of land on the bank of the Lehigh River in 
Northampton County upon which he built a splendid mansion and iron 
works, making it his place of residence. Not being prospered there he 
removed back to Durham. During his residence in Northampton 
County he became extensively and favorably known. 

In 1764 he was elected to the provincial Assembly and took a pro- 
minent part in its deliberations. He was endowed with a strong mind, 
clear perception and sound judgment. He had not been an idle specta- 
tor or careless observer of passing events or of subjects discussed. He 
had examined the principles upon which various governments were 
|Tedicated and became enraptured with the republican system. He 
45 



354 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

had closely observed the increasing advances of British oppression. 
He had not imported a large share of love for the mother country. 
He was too patriotic to tamely submit to the English yoke. So fully 
nad he gained the confidence of his fellow citizens that he was placed 
upon the important committee of grievances. He took a bold stand 
against the corruptions of the proprietary government and strongly ad- 
vocated an alteration of the charter that peculation might be diminished 
and abuses corrected. 

The ensuing year he was again elected to the Assembly and was one 
of the committee that prepared instructions for the delegates to Con- 
gress that convened in New York in 1765 to adopt measures for the 
restoration and preservation of colonial rights. This document com- 
bined caution and respect with firmness of purpose and deliberation of 
action. It instructed the delegates to move within the orbit of consti- 
tutional and chartered rights and to respectfully but clearly admonish 
the mother country and her advisers not to travel out of the same circle. 
Shortly after that the Stamp Act was repealed. Mr. Taylor was on 
the committee to prepare a congratulatory address to the king on the 
happy event. So ably did he discharge his public duties that he was 
uniformly placed upon several of the standing committees of great im- 
portance, assigning to him an onerous portion of legislative duties. 
Upon the committee of grievances, assessment of taxes, judiciary, 
loans on bills of credit, navigation, to choose a printer of public laws, 
the name of George Taylor was generally found and often the first. 
He was a member of the Assembly for six consecutive years. In i ^68 
he was upon a committee to prepare an address to the governor cen- 
suring him for a remissness of duty in not bringing to condign punish- 
ment certain offenders who had openly and barbarously murdered seve- 
ral Indians thereby provoking retaliation. It was respectful and manly 
but keen and cutting as a Damascus blade. It was a lucid exposition 
of political policy, sound law, equal justice and public duty. In 1775 
Mr. Taylor was one of the committee of safety for Pennsylvania, then 
virtually the organ of government. The awful crisis had arrived wneii 
American blood was crying for vengeance. The revolutionary storm 
had commenced-the mountain waves of British wrath were rolling 
over the Colonies. Firmness, sound discretion and boldness of action 
were required. Mr. Taylor possessed and endeavoured to inspire these 
requisites in others. He was a faithful sentinel in the cause of freedom- 
not a blazing luminary but a reliable light. Although cautious he was 
not affected by the temporizing spirit that paralyzed many who desired 
Liberty but preferred that others should fight for it. He continued to 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 355 

exercise a salutary influence in the Assenably until the sunnmer of 1776 
when he became a member of the Continental Congress and sanctioned 
the principles of freedom he had boldly advocated by his vote for and 
signature upon the Magna Charta of our Liberty. Although he did 
not tempt the giddy height of declamation Mr. Taylor knew where and 
when to speak, what to say and how to vote-the highest qualifications 
of a legislator. 

In the spring of 1777 he retired from public life crowned with the 
honors of a devoted and ardent patriot, an industrious and useful legis- 
lator, an enlightened and valuable citizen, a worthy and honest man. 
On the 23d of February 1781 he closed his eyes upon terrestrial things, 
bid a last farewell to earth and its toils and bowed submissively to the 
king of terrors. He died at Easton, Pennsylvania, where he had but 
recently removed. 

From this brief sketch of Mr. Taylor the reader may learn that with- 
out the luminous talents of a Lee, the towering intellect of a Jefferson 
or the profound researches of a Franklin, a man can be substantially 
useful and render important services to his country and the world. In 
the grand machinery of human society there is a place for every indi- 
vidual to occupy. Let all fulfil the design of theii creation and exert 
their best energies to preserve our blood-bought Liberty and perpetuate 
our glorious UNION until time shall be merged in eternity. 



MATTHEW THORNTON. 

The study of human nature is one of the highest importance but 
criminally neglected. Many who do undertake it begin at the wrong 
place. They commence upon their neighbors instead of first exploring 
the avenues of their own nature and there learning the thousand springs 
that put their own machinery in motion. In no other school can we 
successfully acquire this branch of knowledge. Self examination is 
deplorably neglected. But few men know themselves and are sadly 
mistaken when they suppose they fully understand those around them. 
To a large portion of the human family man is a sealed book. But 
few parents study or understand the nature and disposition of their chil- 
dren. If asked to define them they would succeed no better than the 
unlettered red man would in expounding geology and botany. Both 
live in the midst of the subjects of investigation but only know them by 
sight. Upon the closest application we can only arrive at general 
rules by which to try others. I deny the hackneyed doctrine that the 



356 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

minutias of human nature is the same in every individual. It cannot be 
deduced from an examination of man mentally or physically. It can- 
not be shown from analogy in the laws of nature. It cannot be proved 
by revelation but the reverse. Hence so few become masters of this 
intricate study. The error lies in looking at human nature as a mass. 
The man who does not understand geology may be shown every va- 
riety of rock selected and placed in layers before him and he can give 
you but one name for the whole-roc^. The same with reference to the 
other departments in the kingdom of nature. So in the great machinery 
of society. Every observing person knows that what will impel one 
man to do certain acts would not move another one inch. Apply a great 
principle that operates upon every man-say the law of self-preserva- 
tion-its operation is not alike on different persons. On the field of 
battle I have noticed a striking difference in the effect upon different 
men. This was exemplified at the commencement and during the 
American Revolution. The machinery that was put in motion was 
composed of wheels from the smallest to the largest and springs of 
every elasticity. To rouse the people to a becoming sense of their 
injured rights and induce them to rise in the majesty of their might and 
vindicate them, was the first business of the illustrious patriots who 
boldly achieved our Independence. To effect this all the varied forms 
of eloquence were necessary-the rushing torrent of logic that over- 
whelms-the keen sarcasm that withers and the mild and winning per- 
suasion that leads. 

The latter talent was the forte of Matthew Thornton*born in Ireland 
in 1714 and came to this country with his father in 1717 who settled 
at Wiscasset in Maine. This son received a good academical educa- 
tion and was greatly admired for industry, correct deportment and 
blandness of manners. After completing his course at school he com- 
menced the study of medicine wuth Dr. Grant of Leicester, Mass. He 
made rapid progress in the acquisition of that important department of 
science and gave great promise of future usefulness. When he finished 
his course he commenced practice in Londonderry, N. H. which was 
principally settled by people from his native country. He soon ac- 
quired a lucrative business and the confidence of his numerous patrons. 
In the expedition against Cape Breton, then belonging to the French, 
he was appointed surgeon to the New Hampshire division of the army 
and performed his duty with great skill and credit. 

He was an early and prominent advocate of American rights-a bold 
and uniform opposer of British usurpations. He had a great opportunity 
to disseminate liberal principles among the people and most effectually 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 357 

improved it. When the revolutionary storm burst upon the Colonies he 
had command of a regiment. He had filled various important offices 
which had made him widely and favorably known. His urbanity of 
manners, sincerity of purpose and uncommon powers of persuasion gave 
him great influence in private intercourse and public assemblies. 

He was President of the first convention of New Hampshire after the 
expulsion of kingly government. At the commencement of the Revolu- 
tion the people of that province did not form into line with the patriots 
but Dr. Thornton and other kindred spirits soon brought them into the 
rank and file of opposition to the invading foe and banished from them 
all fugitive fear. In 1774 they sent delegates to Congress and came 
nobly up to the work. In December of that year several members of 
the committee of safety in the town of Portsmouth entered the fort and 
carried off" one hundred barrels of gun powder before the governor could 
rally crownites to prevent them. Great Britain had prohibited the 
exportation of this article to the Colonies. 

Soon after the flight of Gov. Wentworth upon being apprised of the 
battle of Lexington, an address was prepared and published by a provin- 
cial committee over the signature of Matthew Thornton President. To 
the young reader this may seem not important unless informed that it 
was evidence to convict him of high treason and consign him to the 
gallows had he fallen into the hands of the British. The address was 
written in strong and bold language. Sample-" You must all be sensible 
that the affairs of America have come to an affecting crisis. The horrors 
and distresses of a civil war which of late we only had in contemplation, 
we now find ourselves obliged to realize. Painful, beyond expression, 
have been those scenes of blood and devastation which the barbarous 
cruelties of British troops have placed before our eyes. Duty ^o God, to 
ourselves, to posterity-enforced by the cries of slaughtered innocents, 
have urged us to take up arms in our own defence. Such a day as this 
was never before known either to us or our fathers. We would there- 
fore recommend to the Colony at large to cultivate that Christian union, 
harmony and tender afl^ection which constitute the only foundation upon 
which our invaluable privileges can rest with any security or our public 
measures be pursued with the least prospect of success." 

On the lOlh of January 1776, Dr. Thornton was appointed a judge of 
the Superior Court of New Hampshire. On the 12th of September of 
the same year he was elected to the Continental Congress and when 
he took his seat, affixed his name to the Declaration of Independence. 
It may be supposed by many that those who signed this instrument, so 
often referred to, were all present on the memorable 4th of July when it 



S58 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

was adopted. This was not the case. Messrs. Franklin, Rush, Clymer, 
Wilson, Ross, Carroll, Taylor and others, as in the case of Dr. Thornton, 
were not members on that day. Finding the measure would probably 
be sanctioned by a majority, fear seized several members who resigned 
their seats and run for dear life. Let their names rest in oblivion. The 
name of Thomas McKean is not upon the printed records although he 
was present and signed the Declaration at the time of its adoption. Henry 
Wisner a member from Orange County, New York, was present and 
signed the original manuscript whose name has never been properly 
recognized. He was a highly respectable member and a fearless patriot. 
How these errors occurred cannot now be told. 

Dr. Thornton ably discharged the important duties of his station until 
his services were required upon the Bench. On the 24th of December 
of the same year he was re-elected to Congress and served until the 23d 
of January following, when he took his final leave of the National Legis- 
lature highly esteemed by his colleagues, enjoying the approval of his 
constituents and the proud consciousness of having performed his duty 
toward his country and his God. 

For six years he served on the Bench of the Superior Court and on 
that of Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, the combined duties rendering 
his services arduous. He filled these stations with dignity and impar- 
tiality. In 1779 he removed to Exeter and soon after purchased a farm 
upon the bank of the Merrimack river that he might enjoy that repose 
his advanced age required. But in this he was disappointed. He 
became a member of the General Court and served in the State Senate 
from that time up to 1785. On the 25th of January 1784 he was 
appointed a justice of the peace and quorum throughout the state, an 
important office under the original constitution but abridged in jurisdic- 
tion by amendments in 1792. In 1785 he retired from the political 
arena but continued to afford salutary counsel on all important matters 
involving the public good. During the controversy between his state 
and Vermont relative to disputed territory, he wrote several letters to. 
those in power urging conciliatory measures and unconditional sub- 
mission to the decision of Congress. They were highly creditable to 
him as a writer and a discreet man. In public or private matters he was 
a peace maker. 

Dr. Thornton was a large portly man over six feet in height, w^ell 
proportioned with an expressive countenance lighted up with keen 
piercing black eyes. He was one of the most fascinating men of his 
time. He was seldom known to smile but was cheerful, entertaining 
and instructive-in many respects similar to Dr. Franklin. His mind 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 359 

was Stored with a rich variety of useful knowledge which rendered 
him an interesting companion. He sustained an unblemished private 
character and discharged all the social relations of life with faithfulness 
and fidelity. He was wisely opposed to sectarianism-belonged to no 
church but was devoutly pious, exemplifying primitive Christianity in 
all the beauty of practical development and apostolic simplicity. He 
was a regular attendant of public worship. 

He was a kind husband, an affectionate father and a good neighbor. 
He was exact in collecting his dues and as exact in paying his credi- 
tors. The poor he never pressed. If he found they were unable to 
pay he cancelled their acx:ount. He was kind, charitable and liberal. 

He died at Newburyport, Mass. on the 24th of June 1803, whilst 
on a visit with his daughter. His remains were conveyed to New 
Hampshire and deposited near Thornton's Ferry on the bank of the 
Merrimack river where a neat marble slab rests over his dust with the 
following laconic and significant epitaph. 

MATTHEW THORNTON, 

AN HONEST MAN. 



JOSEPH B. VAENUM. 

The man who despises labor and treats the working man as an 
inferior being-except on the eve of an election or time of war-should 
never be elevated to an office of honor or profit. Such men seem to 
forget that every article used is the result of labor. They do not 
realize that the working classes are the original producers of the 
physical comforts they enjoy. I refer particularly to those who dig 
the soil, work our minerals, shape our timber-manufacture our fabrics 
and conduct our commerce-the bone and sinew of our country who 
have raised it to a scale of grandeur unparalleled in point of greatness 
in so short a time. By the force of labor our lands, wilderness, minerals, 
rivers, lakes-all have been made the means of rapidly advancing the 
prosperity of our expanding nation. Labor is a dignity conferred on 
man by his Creator-a dignity that is highly appreciated by all sensible 
men. Aristocracy depreciates it to make serfs and reduce its value. 
Monopolists often undervalue it to increase their sordid gains by short 
allowance and poor pay. Demagogues look down upon it and aim to 
impress the working man with their assumed fictitious superiority that 
they may obtain his vote by a little condescending familiarity just 
before election. Away with all this trash and much more that might 



360 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

be named. Let the laborer assume his proper dignity-know and feel 
that without him our country would become a barren waste-our 
miprovements moulder in ruins-our nation rush back to original chaos. 
All should be employed in some laudable manner. Idleness is not 
sanctioned by nature, ethics, theology-Pagan or Christian philosophy- 
by experience or common sense. Man was made for action-noble and 
god-like action. Working men of America ! on you depends the 
onward and upward course of these United States. On you rests the 
high responsibility of perpetuating our glorious UNION. You have 
the votes-if you think, judge and act with intelligence and indepen- 
dence-all will be right. If you are made the abject tools of dishonest 
politicians-LiBERTY is lost-FREEDOM is gone. 

The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution were actively 
laborious. Most of them were from the classes above enumerated. 
Washington and Jefferson thought it a respectable healthful exercise 
to work on their plantations. Among those who did not despise labor 
and highly appreciated the working man-was Joseph B. Varnum, 
born in Dracut, Massachusetts, in 1750. He was raised upon a farm 
and left his plough to do battle for his bleeding country. He had 
acquired a good English education-had studied men and things 
thoroughly-understood the rights of the Colonies and strongly felt the 
wrongs imposed upon them by mother Britain. He promptly rendered 
his best services to advance the cause of human rights. He became 
an active military man and filled various posts-up to Major General 
of militia. He was long conspicuous in the political field. He warmly 
approved of the Declaration of Independence and every measure cal- 
culated to advance the cause of Liberty and drive from our shores the 
last vestige of British power. He was also a zealous advocate for the 
adoption of the Federal Constitution and a member of the Massachu- 
setts Convention that sanctioned it. " Federalist" was first applied 
to those who were warmly in favor of this sacred instrument-" Demo- 
crat" to the opposite party. Those who understand the doctrines of 
the various governments can comprehend the terms. 

Gen. Varnum was repeatedly elected to the legislature of Massachu- 
setts. He was long a member of the House of Representatives and 
Senate of the United States and speaker of the lower house at a time 
when the storm of party spirit increased to a tornado and threatened to 
dash the ship of state upon the rocks of dissolution. Under all circum- 
stances he was calm, collected, impartial, just and independent. No- 
thing could induce him to swerve from the stern path of strict integrity. 
Party soirit had no charms or terrors for him. The good of his whole 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 361 

country he aimed to promote regardless of personal consequences 
Beyond or short of that he had no favors to ask or grant. Would to 
God that all our public men were of the same stamp at the present day. 
After filling the measure of his country's glory, Gen. Varnum retired 
from public life to his paternal mansion in Dracut to enjoy the refresh- 
ing comforts of domestic life. There he glided peacefully down the 
stream of time until the 11th of September 1821 when he was taken 
suddenly ill and became fully sensible he must enter upon the untried 
scenes of eternity in a few hours. He called his family around him- 
arranged his earthly concerns-directed that no military display should 
be made at his funeral-that it should be conducted without vain pomp- 
appointed his pall-bearers and slumbered in death. Not a stain rests on 
the fair escutcheon of his public or private character. 



GEORGE WALTON. 

In this enlightened age and in our free country, ignorance is a volun- 
tary misfortune arising from idleness-the parent of want, vice and 
shame. Under the benevolent arrangements of the present day every 
hild, youth, woman and man can have access to books and generally 
to schools. At no former age of the world has the mantle of education 
been so widely spread. All who will may drink at the pure fountain 
of intelligence and walk in the light. They may obtain that knowledge 
which will lead them to the green pastures of virtue-the parent of earthly 
happiness and heavenly joys. By a proper improvement of time the 
plough boys of the field-the mill boys of the slashes and the apprentice 
boys of the shops may lay in a stock of useful information that will ena- 
ble them to take a respectable stand by the side of those who know more 
of colleges but less of men and things. Instances of this kind have oc- 
curred and I trust will be rapidly increased. Youth and young men 
of America-in your own hands are the materials of future fame and 
usefulness. Neglect to properly improve them, oblivial obscurity or 
withering infamy will be your fate. You are the architects of your 
own fortunes. You will rise in the scale of respectability and import- 
ance just in proportion to the correct culture of your mental powers. 
Your immortal minds cannot be dormant. If you do not sow the seeds 
of wisdom noxious weeds will grow spontaneously and leave you to 
reap the whirlwind of keen regret and consuming anguish. Youth and 
young men of America-if you desire the perpetuity of that Liberty pur- 
chased by the blood and treasure of your ancestors-store your minds 
46 



o52 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

with useful knowledge. If you love a Republic more than monarchy, 
freedom more than slavery, religious liberty more than hierarchy-store 
your minds with useful knowledge. Imitate the bright examples of 
those whose history is spread upon the pages of this book who raised 
themselves to usefulness, fame and glory by the force of their own ex- 
ertions. 

In the history of George Walton another striking instance of this 
kind is beautifully illustrated. He was born in Frederic County, Vir- 
ginia, in 1740. Without any school education he was apprenticed to a 
morose carpenter at an early age, who was too penurious to allow 
George a candle to read by although an unusually active and faithful 
boy. Fortunately pine knots were plenty and free. By the light of 
these he prosecuted his studies during his boyhood and youth. He 
fulfilled his indentures to the letter. When manhood dawned upon 
him he was free in person and mind. He had accumulated a rich 
stock of useful knowledge to what purpose the sequel will show. 
This he had acquired alone by untiring industry during those hours of 
night when a large proportion of boys and youth are either reposing in 
the embrace of Morpheus or hastening on their ruin by associating 
with corrupt and vicious companions-demonstrating most clearly that 
ignorance is a voluntary misfortune-that man is the architect of his 
own character. 

At the age of twenty-one Mr. Walton went to Georgia and read law 
under Henry Young and became a safe counsellor and able advocate. 
During his investigation of the principles laid down by Blackstone and 
other elementary writers, he was forcibly impressed with the gross vio- 
lations of the charter and constitutional rights of the Colonies. The 
more closely he investigated the more his indignation was roused. He 
freely expressed his views and feelings and was among the first to op- 
pose the high-handed policy of the British cabinet. He found a few 
kindred spirits-but by a large majority the crown was sustained in 
Georgia longer than in any other colony. Many desired freedom but 
believed its attainment a visionary idea. They preferred present suf- 
ferings rather than make an abortive attempt to disenthrall themselves 
lest heavier burthens should be placed upon them. They felt their own 
weakness-they dreaded the power of England. Not so with George 
Walton and a few others who had clustered around him. No display 
of chains or bayonets could intimidate them. To die in the cause of 
Liberty was more glorious in their view than to wear the shackles of £L 
tyrant. They were determined never to bend a knee to kings or sacri- 
fice at the altar of monarchy. Freedom or death was their motto. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 363 

In order to test the public mind Messrs. Walton, Noble, Bullock and 
Houston published a notice over their proper signatures, calling a pub- 
lic meeting to be held at the Liberty Pole, Tondee's tavern. Savannah, 
on the 27th of July 1774 for the purpose of considering the constitu- 
tional rights and privileges of the American Colonies. This vi^as the 
first Liberty pole planted in that state-the first meeting that was held on 
that subject. A large concourse of citizens assembled-an intense 
anxiety was manifest-hearts beat more quickly-the heaving bosom, the 
deep sigh, the quivering lip-all told that the meeting w^as onei big with 
importance. Soon George Walton rose with a dignity peculiar to a 
man who knows he is right. With the profoundness of an able law- 
yer-the wisdom of a sage and the eloquence of a Henry-he portrayed 
American rights and British wrongs in such glowing colors that a 
stream of patriotic fire ran through the hearts of his audience that con- 
centrated into a broad and unextinguishable flame. A committee was 
appointed to rouse the people to a sense of impending danger. Gover- 
nor Wright, with his hireling phalanx, used great exertions to obtain a 
written pledge from the inhabitants of each parish to sustain the mother 
country and submit more implicitly to the yoke of bolidage. Promises 
of redress were made only to be broken. But the fire of patriotism 
had commenced its insulating course. From Mr. Walton and his com- 
panions the burning flame spread from heart to heart, from sire to son, 
trom parish to parish and rushing to a common centre rose in one 
broad sheet of light-illuminating the horizon of Liberty with cheering 
refulgence. Many of the more timid patriots of Georgia were long 
perched on the pivot of indecision. Self-interest and self-preservation 
caused many to remain inactive for a time-but what persuasion could 
not do the increasing insults from the crown officers soon efl^ected and 
roused them to action. Mr. Walton did much to remove the incipient 
paralysis and produce a healthy tone in the body politic. All the other 
colonies had united in the glorious cause of freedom-that his state 
should form a doubtful rear-guard was irksome to his noble spirit. But 
he stood firm at his post. His exertions became equal to the herculean 
task he had undertaken. His powers of mind rose with the magnitude 
of the occasion-his eloquence and logic bore down every opponent who 
dared confront him. 

When the cry of h\ood-o( murder-was raised on the heights of Lex- 
ington and reverberated from hill to dale, it came upon the Georgians 
like a clap of thunder without a cloud. The people started from their 
reverie-burst the cords that bound them-rose in the majesty of their 
power-buckled on their armor and bid defiance to the British lion. In 



364 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

May 1775 the Parish of St. Johns sent Lyman Hall to the Continental 
Congress and in July four colleagues took their seats with him. The 
Council of Safety was reorganized and vigorous measures adopted to 
resist the encroachments of imported dictators. In January 1776 the 
legislature appointed Mr. Bullock President of the Executive Council. 
He was a bold and active patriot and very obnoxious to the crown offi- 
cers. Gov. Wright threatened the members with bayonets-the next 
hour he was their prisoner and permitted the liberty of his own house 
only upon his parol of honor. This he violated-fled on board the 
armed fleet in the harbor-commenced an attack upon the town-was 
badly whipped and glad to flee from the vengeance of an insulted ant. 
enraged people. British authority was at an end in that Province. 

In February 1776 Mr. Walton was elected to the Continental Con- 
gress and entered upon the high duties of legislation. He was a bold 
and efficient advocate of every measure calculated to advance the 
cause of Independence. He warmly supported the Declaration of 
Rights and proved his sincerity by his vote and signature. Excepting 
1779 when he was Governor of Georgia, he was a member of Con- 
gress until 1781. - He was raised to work and being placed on many 
committees showed that he could still endure a vast amount of labor. 
When Congress was compelled to retire to Baltimore on the 13th of 
December 1776, Messrs. Morris, Clymer and Walton were left as su- 
perintendents to aid the army with $200,000 in funds. Mr. Walton 
was also a member of the Treasury Board and Marine Committee. In 
every station he ably discharged his duty. In 1777 he performed a 
very important act in the drama of life by marrying the accomplished 
daughter of Mr. Chamber. 

In 1778 he became Col. Walton and behaved with great gallantry in 
the battle at Savannah between the American troops and the British. 
The regiment under his command made a desperate fight until their 
Colonel was severely wounded, fell from his horse and was taken pri- 
soner. After his wound would permit he was sent to Sunbury and 
confined with the other prisoners. He was soon after exchanged and 
returned to Congress. In January 1783 he was appointed Chief Jus- 
tice of Georgia. He also filled the gubernatorial chair a second time. 
He was one of the commissioners that effected a treaty with the Che- 
rokee Indians. He discharged all the onerous duties imposed upon 
him with credit to himself and usefulness to his country. At one time 
he was involved in an apparent difficulty which was as singular as it 
proved harmless and lost none of its romance in the end. During the 
war a jealousy existed between the civil and military authority in 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 365 

Georgia. Judge Walton was at the head of the former-Gen. Mcintosh 
at the head of the latter. In 1779, when Judge Walton was first Go- 
vernor of the state, a forged letter, purporting to be from the legisla- 
ture, was forwarded to Congress requesting the removal of the General. 
The governor was charged with a knowledge of the transaction-posi- 
tively denied it-but few if any believed it. It became a party matter- 
a vote of censure was passed upon him by the same legislature that 
had appointed him Chief Justice the day previous-the Attorney General 
was directed to institute proceedings against him in the Court over 
which he presided-the only one that had jurisdiction over the offence 
charged. That was the finale of the great bubble. It was more like a 
modern political demagogue compromise than any farce found in the 
history of that eventful period. It inflicted no injury on the fair fame 
of Judge Walton. 

During his latter years Judge Walton confined his public duties to 
the Bench of the Superior Court. Through the intervals between terms 
he enjoyed the rich comforts of domestic life with his faithful wife and 
an only son. He was not wealthy-was free from avarice and was 
contented with the competence afforded by his public emoluments and 
the produce of a small plantation. He indulged in good living. Pre- 
vious to his last illness he suffered much from the gout and other com- 
plicated derangements of his system. His useful career was closed on 
the 2d of February 1803. 

Judge Walton was a close student during his whole life. He added 
to his large experience a general knowledge of the sciences and became 
an ornament to the judiciary of his state. He was a ready writer and 
very satirical upon vice and folly. He was of a warm temperament, 
resenting every indignity but honorable and just, moving within 'the 
orbit of consistency under all circumstances showing clearly that the 
wildest passions may be controlled by wise discretion. He was a stran- 
ger to disguise, ardent in his attachments, firm in his purposes, stern 
and reserved in his manners in general intercourse but free and familiar 
in the private circle with his friends. He was an open and manly op- 
ponent. He was fond of brevity in all things, systematic in his pubUc 
and private arrangements and remarkable for punctuality. 

Taken as a whole Judge Walton was one of the most useful men of 
his day and generation. His examples are worthy the imitation of the 
apprentice, the student, lawyer, judge and statesman. By the force of 
industry he rose from the humblest walks of life to the most dignified 
stations within the gift of his constituents. Youth and youno- men of 
America-ponder well the history of George Walton. Let it stimulate 



366 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

you to embrace every opportunity for improvement-drink often and 
freely at the crystal fountain of useful knowledge now^ open to all. Re- 
member, O ! remember that you are the architects of your own for- 
tunes. Soon the affairs of a mighty nation, the destiny of increasing 
millions will devolve upon you. Prepare yourselves to assume the 
high stations you must fill-for weal or for wo will depend upon the 
fitness you acquire. Enter upon the great theatre of action free, from 
every vice-armed with every virtue. Then and then only will you be 
prepared to guard the dearest interest of our expanding republic and 
counteract the fearful evils that are put in motion by wild ambition, 
sordid selfishness and base intrigue. Upon you will soon depend the 
happiness of moving millions and of millions yet unborn. Nothing but 
death can relieve you from this high responsibility-when death calls 
you, be found at the post of duty. 



JOSEPH WARREN. 

The popularity of a measure depends much upon the character of 
those who engage in it. Its justice is inferred from its ardent and un- 
wavering advocacy by men of high moral and religious worth. For 
righteous cause and consistency in its prosecution-the American Revo- 
lution has no parallel on the pages of history. It commanded the no- 
blest exertions of the best and most talented men of that eventful era. 
Their conduct elicited the admiration of a gazing world. Pure patri- 
otism pervaded their bosoms-self was banished to its original Pandora 
box. Truckling politicians were despised-demagogues frowned down- 
disorganizers silenced-the general good of the whole country was the 
prime object of deep solicitude. On that bright picture the patriot and 
philanthropist can feast their eyes with increasing delight. The artists 
have passed away and left to us the priceless gem of republican Free- 
dom. In lines of living light they traced the path of duty in which we 
must tread to insure safety and preserve our priceless UNION. In 
language solemn as eternity they said to us- Walk ye therein. People 
of America ! is this injunction of the venerated dead implicitly obeyed 
by all? A fearful negative must be responded by every thinking, ob- 
serving, intelligent, honest man. The alluvion of political corruption 
has submerged this path of duty and safety. Reckless party spirit has 
broken down its land-marks. Disorganizers trample under foot the 
precious blood that cemented its pavement-the blood of the covenant 
of Liberty. They treat it as an unholy thing and put our country and 



OP THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 367 

themselves to open shame. People of America ! will you, can you 
hear the portentous thunders of disorganization-disunion and stand 
motionless-speechless-until the crash of our LiBERXY-the wreck of our 
Freedom shall unveil to you the wild horrors of chaotic ruin? You are 
the conservators of our Republic-nobly perform your duty. 

Among the lofty patriots who were sacrificed at the shrine of Ame- 
rican Liberty was Joseph Warren, born in Roxbury, Mass. in 1740. 
He entered Harvard college at the age of fifteen with a maturity of 
mind and a manly bearing seldom equalled by one of his years. On 
the completion of his classical education he studied medicine and ac- 
quired a high reputation and a lucrative practice in the city of Boston. 
He took an early and decided stand in favor of emancipation from mo- 
ther Britain. He was an able writer and an eloquent public speaker. 
His pen and voice were warmly enlisted in the cause of equal rights. 
He was in favor of resisting every species of taxation for the support 
of England. He believed the people were prepared for self-government 
and could best manage their own affairs free from foreign interference. 
He was one of the first members of the secret committee in Boston that 
put the revolutionary ball in motion. He had a large and happy influ- 
ence on those around him. He was bold and energetic but prudent 
and discreet. It was him who sent an express late at night to Lexing- 
ton to advise Messrs. Hancock and Adams of their contemplated cap- 
ture. At the battle of Lexington he took an active part and had a por- 
tion of his ear lock shot off. In consequence of his high standing and 
zeal he received the commission of Major General on the 13th of June 
1775. Over the army at Cambridge he had a salutary influence. He 
aided greatly in its first organization-bringing order out of confusion. 
On the 17th of June he engaged in the battle at Bunker's Hill as a vol- 
unteer where he received a ball in his head and died in the entrench- 
ment. Thus prematurely fell one of the brightest ornaments of his day 
and generation. He was the first American General whose life was 
sacrificed in the cause of Liberty. He was favorably known as an 
efficient correspondent to the friends of freedom throughout the colo- 
nies and as widely mourned by every patriot. The nation deeply de- 
plored his fall. 

The battle of Bunker's Hill was of vast importance. It convinced 
the British that they had widely mistaken Yankee prowess and our own 
people that the enemy was not invincible. A defence of only a few 
hours'- labor was thrown up-the whole force of the Americans was but 
1200. This was furiously attacked by a superior number of veteran 
troops. So closely were they permitted to advance that they supposed 



368 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the idea of resistance was abandoned. At the dread moment when 
they were on the point of entering the works a stream of liquid fire 
sent into their ranks a storm of lead and iron hail that caused the sur- 
vivors to retreat with terror and confusion. Again and again were 
they repulsed with dreadful slaughter until the ammunition of the Ame- 
ricans failed and compelled them to retreat. The returns of Gen. Gage 
show 1054 of the British killed The patriots had 139 killed. In pri- 
soners, wounded and missing 314. They also lost five pieces of artil- 
lery. 

Eulogy cannot add to the lustre of the name of Warren. Nature 
had lavished upon him all the noble qualities that adorn a man. In the 
spring of 1776 his remains were removed to Boston. Having been 
Grand Master of the Masonic institution of the State, he was buried 
under the forms of that time-honored order in presence of a large con- 
course of mourning friends. His memory is perpetuated by a monu- 
ment erected by his fellow citizens 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

When God resolved to set his people free from Egyptian bondage he 
raised up able and mighty men to effect his glorious purposes. These 
he endowed with wisdom to conceive, genius to plan and energy to ex- 
ecute his noble designs. Their oppressive and heartless task-masters 
had been increasing their burdens with a relentless severity for years. 
To mercy they were blind, to reason they turned a deaf ear, complaints 
they treated with contumely, the judgments from heaven they heeded 
not. 

There is a striking resemblance between the history of the Israelites 
bursting the chains of slavery riveted upon them by the short-sighted 
Pharaoh and that of the American Colonies throwing ofT the yoke of 
bondage imposed by the British king. Like Moses, Washington led his 
countrymen through the dreary wilderness of the Revolution and when 
the journey terminated he planted them upon the promised land of Free- 
dom and Independence. Like Moses he placed his trust in the God 
of Hosts and relied upon his special aid and direction under all circum- 
stances. Like Moses he was nobly sustained by a band of Sages and 
Heroes unrivalled in the history of the world. 

The pedigree of Gen. Washington, as traced and illustrated by Mr 
Mapleson, carries back his descent to William de Hertburn, Lord of 
the Manor of Washington, in the county of Durham, England. From 



OF THE A ME RI JAN REVOLUTION. 369 

him descended John Washington of Whitfield in the time of Richard 
III. and ninth in descent from the said John was George, first President 
of the United States. The mother of the John Washington who emi- 
grated to Virginia in 1657 and who was great-grandfather to the Gene- 
ral, was Eleanor Hastings, daughter and heiress of John Hastings 
grandson to Francis, second Earl of Huntingdon. She was the de- 
scendant, through Lady Huntingdon of George, Duke of Clarence, bro- 
ther to King Edward IV. and King Richard III*, by Isabel Nevrl, daugh- 
ter and heiress of Richard, Earl of Warwick, the King-maker. Wash- 
ington, therefore, as well as all the descendants of that marriage, are 
entitled to quarter the arms of Hastings, Pole, Earl of Salisbury, Plan- 
tagenet, Scotland, Mortimer, Earl of March, Nevil, Montagu, Beau- 
champ and Devereaux. 

George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, 
the 22d of February 1732. He lost his father at an early age and 
leaned on the wisdom of a fond and judicious mother for the exquisite 
moulding of his youthful mind. He attributed his success in after life 
to the early training and faithful pruning of his revered mother. 
Mothers of America! imitate the example of the mother of the illus- 
trious Washington. The prosperity and perpetuity of our UNION 
depends much upon the training of your sons. Teach them wisdom, 
virtue, patriotism, love of country, Liberty. Teach them to prize, 
dearer than life, the sacred boon of freedom that was nobly won and 
sacredly transmitted to us by the Sages and Heroes of '76. 

During his childhood and youth Washington exhibited a strong and 
inquiring mind. Industry, stability, perseverance, modesty and ho- 
nesty were early developed in his character and marked his brilliant 
career through life. He was frank, generous and humane from his 
childhood. Nothing could induce him to utter a falsehood, practise 
deceit or disobey his fond mother. He soared above the trifling 
amusements that so often lead boys and youth astray and prepare them 
for a useless, often an ignominious existence. He was designed by his 
great Creator to be a star of the first magnitude on the great theatre 
of action-the Moses of America. He studied his pan thoroughly be- 
fore he entered upon the stage of public life. When the curtain rose 
he was prepared for his audience, acquitted himself nobly and retired 
amidst the grateful plaudits of admiring-reverent millions. 

At the age of twenty-one Washington was selected by Gov. Dinwiddie 
to visit the hostile French and Indians and endeavor to induc^ them to 
withdraw from the frontiers and smoke the pipe of peace. The mission 
was one of great peril. His path lay through a dense wilderness for four 



370 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

hundred miles infested by wild savages and beasts more wild than them. 
He arrived at Fort Du Quesne in safety. Whilst the French com 
mandant was writing an answer to the governor, Washington took the 
dimensions of the fortress unobserved by any one. He then returned 
home unmolested and unharmed by any accident. Peace was not desired 
by the red men. It was necessary to raise a regiment of troops to repel 
the murderous invaders. Washington was invested with the commission 
of Colonel and took the command. He marched, in April 1754, upon 
the track he had pursued when he visited the fort previously. On his 
way he surprised and captured a number of the enemy. W^hen he 
arrived at the .Great Meadows he erected a small stockade fort and 
appropriately named it Fort Necessity. Here he was reinforced swell- 
ing his little army to four hundred men. He then contemplated an 
attack upon Fort Du Quesne, situated at the junction of the Alleghany 
and Monongahela rivers forming the Ohio and the present site of the 
iron city of Pittsburgh. He now learned that the French and Indians, to 
the number of fifteen hundred, were advancing upon him. The atta<;k was 
commenced with great fury and continued for several hours when the 
French commander offered liberal terms of capitulation and gladly per- 
mitted the young champion and his brave Virginians to march away 
unmolested. This brilliant achievement placed Washington high on the 
scale of eminence as a bold, skilful and prudent military officer. It 
occurred on the 4th of July-a happy prelude to the glorious 4th of 
July 1776. 

The ensuing year another expedition was sent against Fort Du Quesne 
of about two thousand troops under command of the unfortunate Brad- 
dock who had more courage than prudence-more self-conceit than 
wisdom. He spurned the advice of the " beardless boy" and rushed into 
an ambush where he and near one-half of his men met the cold embrace 
of the kinof of terrors. The enemy consisted of only five hundred French 
and Indians secreted in three ravines forming a triangle. In this triangle 
of death Braddock formed his men and remained until he had five 
horses killed under him and was mortally wounded. During all this 
time not one of the enemy could be seen. One hundred native Virginians 
with fixed bayonets and led by Washington would have routed them in 
ten minutes. I speak from the record as I have examined every rod 
of the ground. After the fall of Braddock Washington saved the sur- 
vivors under Col. Dunbar by a judicious retreat. He had warned the 
British General of his danger who spurned the " beardless boy." At a 
subsequent period he negotiated a peace with the Indians .on the frontiers 
and was voted the thanks of mother Britain. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 371 

Unwilling to again witness such a waste of human life Washington 
resigned his military command and retired to his peaceful home. 
Shortly after this he was elected to the legislature and was highly 
esteemed as a wise, discriminating legislator-exhibiting a mind imbued 
with philanthropy and liberal principles guided by a sound discretion and 
cultivated intellect adorned with a retiring modesty too rare in men of 
talent at the present day. From this field of labor he entered one of 
greater magnitude, of vaster importance-one big with events involving 
consequences of the most thrilling interest to his country and himself. 
He was elected to the Congress of 1774. The solemnity that pervaded 
the opening ceremony of that august assembly has been before portrayed. 
During the opening prayer, Washington only was upon his knees, imitat- 
ing the attitude of his pious mother in her earnest appeals to the throne 
of Grace. On all occasions his mind seems to have reached from earth 
to Heaven. He seemed to dwell in the bosom of his God. Devoted 
unsophisticated, humble, relying piety marked his whole course of life- 
a piety sincere in its motives, consistent in its exhibitions and illumined 
by the refulgent sunbeams of living charity. He was returned to the 
next Congress and took his seat little anticipating the mighty work in 
reserve for him. On the rpemorable 19th of April 1775, American blood 
was again made to leap from its fountain by order of Major Pitcairn on 
the heights of Lexington. Justice looked at the purple current as it 
flowed and sighed. Mercy carried the tragic news to the ethereal skies- 
the eagle of liberty heard the mournful story-descended in a stream of 
hquid fire-planted the torch of freedom in the serum of the murdered 
patriots and bid eternal defiance to the British lion. The alarm spread 
with lightning rapidity. It was sounded from church bells and signal 
guns-echo carried it from hills to dales, from sire to son. Vengeance 
was roused from its lair-the hardy yoemanry left their ploughs in the 
furrow-the merchant rushed from his counting house, the professional 
man from his office, the minister from his glebe, shouldered their rusty 
muskets and with powder horn and slug hastened to the scene of action 
determined to avenge the blood of slaughtered brethren, maintain their 
chartered rights or perish in the attempt. 

In June following Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of 
the American armies by the unanimous voice of Congress. He accepted 
the high command with great reluctance and diffidence-knowing that it 
involved responsibilities, consequences and results too mighty for him 
hastily to assume, too vast for him confidently to encounter. He did 
not view the camp as tiie field of glory, ambition, conquest or fame. He 
did not thirst for human blood or exult in the profession of arms. Love 



372 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of country, liberty, human rights, liberal principles-the duty to resist the 
oppressions of tyranny, prompted him to action. For these reasons he 
consented to serve his country at the perilous post assigned him. 

As soon as practicable he hastened to Cambridge Mass. and entered 
upon the duties of his office in July. Before his arrival there, Crown 
Point and Ticonderoga had been surrendered to the patriots-the san- 
guinary battle of Bunker's Hill had been fought and the British con- 
vinced that men contending for their just rights, their dearest interests- 
their bosoms charged with fiery indignation and burning patriotism- 
could not be made to yield to the glittering arms of a haughty monarch 
without a bold and desperate effort to maintain that Liberty which 
they inherited from their Creator and which was guarantied by the 
British constitution. 

The horrors of war were accumulating like electrified clouds pre- 
paring a tornado. The bloody toils of the Revolution had commenced. 
England poured in her legions by thousands. To cap the climax of 
barbarity she called to her aid the blood thirsty Indian with his toma- 
hawk and scalping knife and bid a premium for scalps. The welkin 
rang with the savage war-whoop The terrific screams, the expiring 
groans of mothers and babes were enough to draw tears from rocks 
and dress all nature in deep mourning. The contest was that of an 
infant with a giant-a lamb with a wolf. The dark clouds blackened 
as they rose and were surcharged with the lightning of revenge and 
thunder of malice. Washington viewed their fiery aspect with calm 
serenity, heard their portentous roar without a tremor. With his soul 
reaching to Heaven he met the awful crisis with firmness and prudence 
before unknown. His gigantic genius soared above the loftiest barriers 
his enemies could rear. His course was onward-right onward towards 
the goal of Liberty. Beneath his conquering arm monarchy trembled, 
tottered, fell. His whole energy was at once directed to the complete 
organization and perfect discipline of the army. By the aid of the 
king's troops some of the royal governors still maintained a show of 
authority in several of the colonies. As opposition assumed a syste- 
matic form and military arrangements increased, they retired on board 
the British armed vessels from whence they issued their proclamations 
with about the same effect as the puffing of a porpoise would have 
upon old Boreas. 

Early in March 1776, Washington planted his army before Boston 
where Lord Howe had concentrated his forces. On the 17th this 
caused his lordship very modestly to evacuate the town. On the 2d 
of July Gen. Howe landed nine miles below the city of New York 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 373 

with 24,000 men. He sent an insulting communication to Washington 
which he very properly refused to receive. On the 27th of August 
that part of the array stationed at Brooklyn under Gen. Sullivan was 
attacked and defeated with great loss and Generals Sullivan, Sterling 
and Woodhull taken prisoners. Two days after, Gen. Washington 
effected a retreat and landed his troops safely in New York without 
the movement being discovered by the enemy until completed. 
Chagrined and mortified at the loss of their prey the British prepared 
to attack the city which induced the Americans to evacuate it and 
retire to White Plains. Here they were attacked on the 28th of Sep- 
tember-the British were repulsed, a considerable loss was sustained on 
both sides and no victory to either. The disasters of the patriots 
multiplied-Fort Washington and Lee fell into the hands of the English- 
the American army was flying before a relentless foe. Washington 
crossed the Hudson and retreated through Jersey into Pennsylvania 
with Lord Cornwallis pressing on his rear. His army was now 
reduced to 3000 men who were destitute of almost every comfort of 
life. They could be tracked by blood from their naked feet upon the 
frozen ground. Think of this ye who are now enjoying the rich 
behest of Liberty so dearly purchased and but by few properly appre- 
ciated. Reverses had chilled the zeal of many leading men who at 
first espoused the cause of freedom but whose hearts were not yet 
sufficiently harrowed by oppression to have the good seed take root. 
A fiery cloud of indignation, ready to devour them, hung over the 
bleeding colonies. Washington was still confident of ultimate success. 
He believed that in the archives of eternal justice their Freedom was 
written. Guardian angels listened to the vesper orisons of those who 
were true to themselves, their country and their God who directed 
their destiny. The bold career of the roaring lion was arrested. This 
Spartan band was crowned with victory. On the night of the 25th 
of December Washington crossed the Delaware to Trenton amidst 
floating ice-surprised and took one thousand prisoners-pushed on to 
Princeton, killed sixty and took three hundred prisoners, spreading 
consternation in the ranks of the enemy. This success re-animated 
many of the cold hearts that could be warmed only by prosperity- 
sunshine patriots whose love of freedom was very similar to self- 
righteousness, Washington retired to Morristown N. J. for the winter 
the English occupied Brunswick. 

In the spring of 1777 the army of Washington amounted to about 
7000 men. No action occurred between the main armies until August 
when the British landed in Maryland with the intention of capturing 



374 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Philadelphia. On the 11th of September the two armies met at 
Brandywine-a desperate battle ensued and a partial dearly purchased 
victory was gained by the English. On the approach of the enemy 
the City of Penn was abandoned. On the 4th of October another 
severe battle was fought at Germantown which proved disastrous to 
the American troops in consequence of their becoming separated and 
confused by a thick fog. These keen misfortunes were more than 
balanced by the capture of the entire British army in the north under 
Burgoyne by Gen. Gates on the 17th of October. On the reception 
of this news France recognised the Independence of the United States, 
entered into a treaty of alliance and furnished important aid by sending 
many of her brave sons to the rescue. The English retreated to New 
York in the spring of 1 778 from which place they made frequent 
descents upon various places, destroying private property, murdering 
the inhabitants and spreading desolation wherever they went. They 
sent an expedition to Georgia and were crowned with victory. During 
this year no decisive battle was fought. The same during 1779. The 
British seemed to be better pleased with a predatory warfare than 
pitched battles which they carried on in a manner that put savage 
barbarity in the shade and made the inquisitor general of Madrid 
mourn for lost humanity. Alas for the Christian majesty of mother 
Britain. 

Again the exertions of Washington were almost paralyzed for the 
want of men and money. The French Admiral D'Estaing was unfor- 
tunate in all his movements. The British lion was prowling through 
the land in all the majesty of cruelty. The anchor of hope could 
scarcely keep the shattered bark of Liberty to its moorings-the cable 
of exertion lost thread after thread until but a small band of genuine 
patriots and heroes were left as a nucleus to breast the fury of the 
storm that rolled its dashing surges over them. But they clung to the 
creaking craft with a death grip and weathered the terrific gale. The 
campaign of 1780 terminated more favorably to the American arms. 
The south had become the main theatre of action. The cruelties of the 
enemy had prepared more hearts to do service in the cause of Liberty. 
The people were brought to see their true interests and rallied under the 
banner of freedom determined on victory or death. Gates, the hero 
of Saratoga, was put in command of the southern army-fresh aid ar- 
rived from France— the conflict was one of desperation. On the 18th 
of August a severe battle was fought near Camden, S. C. The British 
were the victors. Defeat now only served to rally the bone and sinew 
of the land. The hardy sons of Columbia rose like a phoenix from 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. S75 

ashes and hurled the thunderbolts of vengeance among their savage 
foes with the fury of Mars. Every battle vi'eakened and disheartened 
the enemy when a victory was gained. A few more conquests like 
those at Camden and Guilford Court House would seal their doom 
The energetic Greene succeeded Gates. The campaign of 1781 
opened. Washington moved to the south. Wayne, Lee, Greene, La 
Fayette, Nelson and other brave officers were there. Count de Grasse 
was co-operating with his fleet. In their turn the British lords, admi- 
rals and generals found themselves surrounded with impending dangers. 
An awful crisis was pressing upon them. Retribution stared them in 
the face. Their deeds of blood haunted their guilty souls-consterna- 
tion seized their troubled minds. Lord Cornwallis concentrated his 
forces at Yorktown which he fortified in the best possible manner. 

On the 6th of October'the combined forces of Washington and Ro- 
chambeau commenced a siege upon this place which surrendered on 
the 19th of the same month. The grand Rubicon was passed-the work 
was done-the Colonies were free. That was the dying struggle of 
British monarchy in America. Hope of conquering her indomitable 
sons expired like the death flickering of a glow-worm. Heaven had 
decreed they should be free-that decree was consummated. Like Jor- 
dan's dove, the Eagle of Liberty descended to cheer the conquering 
heroes-snatched the laurels from Britain's brow and placed them tri- 
umphantly upon the champions of American Independence. To the 
friends of freedom the scene was joyful, sublime-to its enemies-painful, 
humiliating. This victory was hailed with enthusiastic gratitude. It 
placed Washington on the loftiest summit of immortal fame-secured 
Liberty to his beloved country, stopped the efi'usion of iiuman blood, 
sealed the foundations of our Republic-prepared an asylum for the op- 
pressed-planted deep the long nursed tree of Liberty. 

On the 30th of September 1783 a definitive treaty was signed at 
Paris by Messrs. Fitzherbert and Oswald *on the part of Great Britain 
and Messrs. John Adams, Franklin, Jay and Laurens on the part of the 
United States. On the 2d of November Washington issued his farewell 
orders to his army in terms of affectionate eloquence and parental soli- 
citude. On the 3d the troops were disbanded by Congress. With 
mingling tears of joy and gratitude they parted and repaired finaliy lo 
their homes to meet the warm embrace, the fervent grasp of their fami- 
lies and friends-there to reap the rich fruit of their perilous toils free 
from the iron scourge of despotism. On the 23d of December Wash- 
ington appeared in the hall of Congress and resigned his commission. 
This act was one of sublimity and thrilling interest. The past, present 



376 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

and future-all rushed upon the mind of this great and good man as he 
invoked the blessings of Heaven to descend and guard the Liberty of 
his beloved emancipated country. Every eye w^as fixed upon him- 
every heart beat quicker-emotion rose to its zenith-he laid the commis- 
sion on the table-a burst of applause rent the air-a flood of tears closed 
the scene. 

No longer under the maternal care of their old mother, the people of 
the United States wer^ left to try the yet problematical experiment of 
self government. Difliculties arose from local jealousies and conflict- 
ing interests-a debt of forty millions of dollars had been contracted- 
government paper became greatly depreciated-the public credit was 
shivering in the vi^ind-the Liberty that had been so dearly purchased 
seemed doomed to a premature dissolution. To avoid this threatened 
disaster delegates convened at Philadelphia from all the States except 
Rhode Island for the purpose of devising a plan to preserve and perfect 
that freedom which had cost millions of treasure and fountains of noble 
blood. Washington was unanimously elected President of this august 
body. After long and patient deliberation the labors of these patriots re- 
sulted in the production of the Federal Constitution, one of the brightest 
specimens of a republican form of government on record. It is the grand 
palladium of our Liberty, the golden chain of our UNION, the broad 
banner of freemen, a terror to tyrants, a shining light to patriots, the 
illustrated chart of our rights and duties, a safeguard against disorga- 
nizing factions and stamped its illustrious authors with a meritorious 
fame that succeeding generations will delight to perpetuate. 

On the 17th of September this was reported to Congress and was 
promptly approved. It was immediately sent to the several states for 
consideration all of which sanctioned it at that time except North Caro- 
lina and Rhode Island. The former acceded to it in 1789, the latter in 
1790. Confidence was then restored and Independence made seeure. 
From that time to the present our nation has advanced on the "flood 
tide of successful experiment and been blessed with an increasing pros- 
perity that has no parallel in the annals of history. The star spangled 
banner waves proudly on every sea and is respected by all the nations 
of the earth. Our improvements at home have marched in advance of 
the boldest conceptions of the most visionary projectors-the fondest an- 
ticipations of their most ardent friends. They have often outstripped 
the most adventurous speculators. 

By the unanimous voice of a free and grateful people Washington 
was elected the first President of the new Republic. With the same 
pro^^erbial diffidence and modesty that had marked his whole career he 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 377 

took the oath of office on the 30th of April 1789. This imposing cere- 
mony was performed in presence of the first Congress under the Fede- 
ral Constitution assembled in the city of New York and in presence of 
a crowded audience who deeply felt and strongly expressed their filial 
aflfection for the father of their country. He at once entered upon the 
important duties that devolved upon him which were neither few or 
small. A cabinet was to be created, a revenue raised, the judiciary 
organized, its officers appointed and every department of government 
to be established on a firm, impartial, just and humane basis. In all 
these arrangements he exhibited great wisdom, exercised a sound dis- 
cretion and proved as able a statesman as he had been a general. De- 
liberation and prudence guided him at all times. He acted up to but 
never transcended the bounds of equal justice and delegated authority. 
An angel could do no more. 

During his administration of eight years he brought into full force 
his noblest energies to advance the best interests of his country-melio- 
rate the condition of those who were sufl^ering from the effects of a 
protracted war-improve the state of society, arts, science, agriculture, 
manufactures-commerce-disseminate general intelligence-allay local 
difficulties and render the infant Republic as happy and glorious as it 
was free and independent. His patriotic exertions were crowned with 
success-his fondest anticipations were realized-he finished the work 
assigned him with a skill before unknown-the government foundations 
were laid deep and strong-the superstructure was rising in grandeur- 
Washington wrote his farewell address and on the 4th of March 1797 
retired from public life honored and loved by a nation of freemen, re- 
spected and admired by a gazing world-crowned with an unsullied 
fame that will grow brighter and more brilliant through all time. He 
then repaired to Mount Vernon to repose in the bosom of his family 
and enjoy that domestic peace by his own fireside that he had long de- 
sired. He had served his country long, ably, impartially, justly. He 
could look back upon a life well spent in the cause of human rights, 
liberal principles and an enlarged philanthropy. 

For his arduous services during the revolutionary war Washington 
took no compensation. More than this, owing to the depreciation of 
continental money he paid three-fourths of his own expenses. He kept 
a correct book entry of every business transaction and produced a 
written voucher for every disbursement he had made of public funds. 
During his presidential terms his expenses exceeded his salary over five 
thousand dollars a year which he paid from his private funds and re- 
fused a proffered remuneration. With the exception of his appointment 
48 



378 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

as commander-in-chief of the American army in 1798 when France 
threatened invasion, Washington was relieved from any farther parti- 
cipation in public affairs. He continued to live at Vernon's sacred 
Mount until the 14th of December 1799 when his immortal spirit left 
its noble tenement of clay-soared aloft on angel wings to realms of 
enduring bliss there to receive a crown of unfading glory-the reward 
of a spotless life spent in the service of his country and his God. His 
body was deposited in the family tomb where it slumbered amidst the 
])eaceful groves of his loved retreat until 1837, when it was deposited 
in a splendid marble sarcophagus designed by Mr. Strickland and ma- 
nufactured and presented by John Struthers, marble mason, both of the 
city of Philadelphia. Upon the top of this masterpiece of workman- 
ship is most exquisitely and boldly carved the star spangled banner sur- 
mounted by the American Eagle. Under these the name WASHING- 
TON is carved in bold relievo. The design and finely finished work 
do great credit to Mr. Strickland as an architect and to Mr. Struthers 
as an artist. The gift and the delicate manner it was presented by the 
latter worthy gentleman do honor to his head and heart. The body 
was in a state of preservation as remarkable as the history of the man 
in life. The face retained its full form and fleshy appearance and was 
but slightly changed in color. The ceremony of removal was sublimely 
interesting and witnessed by a large concourse of tearful spectators. 
This hallowed spot is visited yearly by large numbers who approach it 
with profound veneration and awe. All nations revere the memory of 
the father of our country-unborn millions will chant his praise. Fo- 
reigners are proud to say they have visited the tomb of Washington at 
Mount Vernon. This estate was left to George Washington by his 
brother Lawrence in 175'4. This brother served under Admiral Ver- 
non in his memorable attack upon Carthagena in 1741. Having been 
treated with marked attention by the Admiral he named his estate in 
commemoration of him. 

The name of George Washington is associated with every amiable 
and noble quality that can adorn a man. It is encircled by a sacred 
halo that renders it dear to every philanthropist-respected by all civilized 
nations. His fame is too bright to be burnished by eulogy-too pure to 
be tarnished by detraction. His praises have been proclaimed by talents 
of the highest order, hearts of the warmest devotion, imaginations of the 
happiest conception-eloquence of the loftiest tone. It would require an 
angel's pen dipped in ethereal fire and an angel's hand to guide it to 
fully delineate the noble frame work and perfect finish of this great and 
good man. Like the sun at high meridian, the lustre of his virtues can 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 379 

be seen and felt but not clearly described. His picture is one on which 
we may gaze with increased delight and discover new beauties to the 
last. Like that of our nation-his history is without a parallel. Unblem- 
ished rectitude marked his whole career, philanthropy his entire course, 
justice his every action. Under the most trying circumstances and 
afflictive dispensations a calm holy resignation to the will of God added 
a brighter lustre to his exalted qualities. Like a blazing luminary-his 
refulgence dims the surroundinjr stars and illuminates the horizon of 
biography with a light ineffable. His brilliant achievements were not 
stained with that reckless effusion of blood that marked the ambitious 
Csesar, the conquering Alexander and the disappointed Bonaparte. He 
was consistent to the last. 

In private life he was graced with all the native dignity of man. 
reducing all things around him to a perfect system of harmony, order, 
economy, frugality and peace. In every thing he was chastehed by 
sterling merit, actuated by magnanimity, mellowed by benevolence, 
purified by charity. He was a living epistle of all that was great and 
good. He was the kind husband, the widow's solace, the orphan's 
father, the faithful friend, the bountiful benefactor, the true patriot, the 
devoted Christian the worthy citizen, the honest man. He has left 
examples worthy the contemplation and imitation of all who figure on 
the stage of public action or in the walks of retired life. His private 
worth was crowned with amaranthine flowers, richer and sweeter than 
the epic and civic wreaths that decked his brow in the public view of an 
admiring world. His virtues were enlivened by the richest colors of 
godliness-his mind was finished by the finest touches of creative power. 
His sacred memory will live through the rolling ages of time-will be 
revered until the wreck of worlds and the dissolution of nature shall 
close the drama of human action-Gabriel's dread clarion rend the vaulted 
tombs-awake the sleeping dead and proclaim to astonished millions- 

TIME SHALL BE NO LONGER. 



ANTHONY WAYNE. 

The history of the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution 
cannot be too often examined by the present and coming generations. 
To learn their disinterested patriotism, bold conceptions, daring exploits, 
unparalleled sufl^erings, indomitable perseverance, noble fortitude, endur- 
ing patience and their exalted virtues-is to know something of the high 



380 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

price our freedom cost. To properly appreciate the liberty we enjoy is 
one of the best safe guards of its perpetuity. In the peaceful enjoyment 
of inestimable blessings we are too apt to forget their origin and their 
value. Could the torrents of blood shed to obtain the high privileges we 
now inherit be placed in one mighty reservoir upon which all our people 
could look for a single moment, millions would blush at their own apathy 
in the preservation of our deax'est interests. We have many reckless 
demagogues and bold disorganizers in our midst who should be baptized 
in this fountain of blood for the remission of their political sins-some who 
set the Federal Constitution at naught and would glory in the dissolution 
of our blood bought UNION. When our love of country grows cold 
and respect for the chart of our Liberty is lost-the sooner we emigrate 
the better for all concerned-not up salt river but to Chinese Tartary or 
Chimborazo. 

Among those who freely contributed to the revolutionary fountain of 
blood was Anthony Wayne, born in Waynesborough, Chester County, 
Pennsylvania on the 1st of January 1745. His grandfather held a com- 
mission in the army of William III. and fought at the battle of the Boyne 
on the 1st of July 1690 and at Aughrine on the 12th of July 1691 at both 
of which the Irish under James II. were defeated. At the last battle their 
struggle for Independence ended and has never been renewed. His 
father was a respectable farmer and placed this son at school in Phila- 
delphia where he received a good English education. He was delighted 
with the study of mathematics and became familiar with surveying and 
engineering at an early age. His taste for military tactics w-as developed 
during his boyhood. His father and grandfather were both men of 
military prowess. As young Anthony listened to the story of their 
exploits he contemplated the field of battle, the clash of arms and the 
shouts of victory with burning enthusiasm. This grew with his growth 
and ripened with his manhood. 

In 1773 he succeeded his father in the Colonial Assembly where he 
became an active member and took a bold stand in favor of liberal prin- 
ciples and equal rights. He did much to rouse the people to a just sense 
of impending danger. His boldness inspired confidence-his energy pre- 
pared for action. He preferred digging a grave with his sword rather 
than tamely submit to foreign dictation based upon tyranny and enforced 
by the insolent task masters of the crown. In 1775 he received a 
Colonel's commission and speedily raised a fine regiment in his native 
county. He was soon called into active service under Gen. Thompson 
in his unfortunate expedition against Canada. When that officer was 
defeated and taken prisoner with a part of his little army, Col. Wayne 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 381 

»nanifested great presence of mind, skill and bravery in effecting a retreat 
although writhing under a severe wound. From that time his military 
fame rose and expanded until it reached the maximum of his patriotic 
ambition-the pinnacle of his fondest desires. In 1776 his services were 
very useful on the northern frontier in conducting the engineer depart- 
ment in addition to the duties of his command. He had the confidence 
of his superiors and the friendship of all around him. His course was 
onward and upward. As a merited reward for his active services and 
in consequence of his superior talents he was commissioned Brigadier 
General at the close of that campaign. 

At the battle of Brandywine he kept a superior British force from 
passing Chad's Ford for a long time. After the partial defeat of the 
American army Gen. Wayne was detached with his division to keep the 
enemy at bay in view of another attack. The invading army was sta- 
tioned at what wsjs then called Tredyffrin. Gen. Wayne encamped three 
miles in the rear of the left wing near the Paoli Tavern and gave spe- 
cial orders to guard against surprise. On the night of the 20th of Sep- 
tember his troops were suddenly attacked by a division under Gen. 
Gray who rushed upon the Americans with fixed bayonets killing and 
wounding about 150 men. Overwhelmed by a superior force Gen. 
Wayne retreated a short distance-rallied and formed his men and was 
no farther molested. At his own request his conduct on that unfortu- 
nate occasion was investigated by a court martial. Not the slightest 
fault was found against him. At the battle of Germantown he led his 
men on to action with a boldness and impetuosity that carried terror 
into the ranks of the imported veterans. He had two horses shot, one 
under him and one as he was mounting and was wounded in the left 
foot and hand. When a retreat was ordered his military skill shone 
conspicuously in protecting his men. 

He was uniformly selected by Washington to conduct hazardous and 
daring enterprises, reconnoitre the enemy and collect supplies. His 
energy was of the most vigorous tone whether on the field or in a 
council of war. Previous to the battle of Monmouth he and Gen. Cad- 
wallader were the only officers who at first united with Washington in 
favor of attacking the British army. So bravely did he act on the day 
of that brilliant victory that the commander-in-chief made special men- 
lion of him in his report to Congress. In July 1779 Gen. Wayne was 
selected to attempt a bold and daring exploit. Stony Point was in 
possession of the enemy, strongly fortified and filled with heavy ord- 
nance. One side was washed by the Hudson River, on the other was 
a morass passable only in one place. This fort was on an eminence 



382 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of considerable height. In front were formidable breastworks at every 
accessible point. In advance of these was a double row of abattis. 
Col. Johnson was in command of the garrison with 600 men principally 
Highlanders, the bravest and most brawny troops that were imported. 
A number of vessels of war were moored in the Hudson in front. All 
things combined to render a successful attack more than problematical 
with a much superior force. It was the very kind of adventure for 
Gen. Wayne. To please our young military gentlemen I will describe 
the arrangements for attack. 

On the evening of the 15th of July, at 8 o'clock, he arrived within a 
mile and a half of the fort and immediately communicated his plan of 
operation to his officers. The hour of low twelve was fixed for the 
desperate assault. Every officer and non-commissioned officer was 
held responsible for each man in his platoon. No soldier was permit- 
ted to leave the ranks until the general halt near the fort and then only 
with an officer. When the troops arrived in rear of the hill on which 
the fort stood Col. Febigcr formed his regiment in solid column of a half 
platoon in front. Col. Meigs formed in his rear-Maj. Hull in his rear, 
the three forming the right column. The left was formed in the same 
manner by Col. Butler and Maj. Murphy. Every officer and soldier 
placed a piece of white paper in front of his hat or cap that they might 
recognise each other if mixed with the enemy. Col. Fleury was put 
in command of 150 picked men and stationed about twenty paces 
in front of the right column with fixed bayonets and unloaded mus- 
kets. A little in front of these an officer and twenty of the boldest 
men were placed whose duty was to secure the sentinels and remove 
the abattis that the main column might pass freely. The same with the 
left column. The main columns were to follow the advance with shoul- 
dered unloaded muskets relying entirely on the bayonet-according to 
the tactics of Gen. Gray at Paoli. Any soldier who departed in the 
minutest particular from orders was to be instantly killed by his offi- 
cer. A reward of $500 was offered to the first man who entered the 
fortification-$400-$300-$200-$100 to each in succession of the other 
four who first followed. The whole being formed, "March!" thun- 
dered from Wayne who led the right column with Col. Febiger-the 
left was led by Col. Butler followed by Maj. Murphy. Never were men 
more determined on victory or death-never were orders more strictly 
obeyed. So simuUaneous was the attack by each division and so 
equally rapid their movements that they met in the centre of the fort. 
The victory was as complete and triumphant as the assault was bold 
and overwhelming. All was accomplished without the discharge of a 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 383 

gun by the Americans who advanced facing a tremendous shower of mus- 
ket, grape and canister sliot. On the surrender of the fort Gen. Wayne 
ordered a salute of iron hail for the benefit of the armed ships in the 
river which caused them to shp their cables and move off with all pos- 
sible despatch. Fifty-seven of the enemy were killed and five hundred 
and forty-three taken prisoners. As the columns were advancing Gen. 
Wayne was severely wounded in the head with a musket ball-as he 
believed mortally-which felled him to the ground. He rose on one 
knee-" Onicai'd J7i>/ brave feUorm-onwa?'d !" burst from him in stentorian 
accents. He requested his aids to carry him into the fort that he might 
die amidst the music shouts of victory. The garrison made a deter- 
mined resistance at every point of attack. Of the forlorn hope of the 
twenty led by Lieut. Gibbons seventeen were killed. The wounded 
and killed of the Americans amounted in all to ninety-eight. After en- 
tering the fort had the Americans opened a fire the slaughter would 
have been dreadful. Gen. Wayne preferred setting an example of hu- 
mane treatment towards his conquered foes, proving himself as magna- 
nimous as he was brave and victorious. He scorned retaliation al- 
though the dying groans at the Paoli massacre' were still ringing in his 
ears. Within an hour after the surrender, writhing under his severe 
wound, Gen. Wayne addressed the following laconic letter to Gen. 
Washington. 

"Stony Point, July 16, 1779, 2 o'clock A. M. 
" Dear GENERAL-The fort and garrison with Col. Johnson are ours. 
Our officers and men behaved like men determined to be free. 

" Yours most sincerely, 

" Anthony Wayne. 
" Gen. Washington." 

Here is a model letter worthy the imitation of the elaborate epistle 
manufacturers of the present prolific era of verbosity, ambiguity and 
repetition. It should serve as a modest hint to our speech-makers and 
induce them to say less and do more. Millions would then be saved 
to the States and our nation. 

So highly did Congress appreciate the capture of Stony Point that 
on the 26th of the same month the House passed a series of resolutions 
highly complimentary to Gen. Washington for conceiving and to Gen. 
Wayne and his brave companions in arms for planning and accom- 
plishing the capture of that important post. The amount of the mili- 
tary stores was divided amongst the officers and men and the rewards 



38^ THE SAGES AND HEROES 

offered promptly paid. The letter of Mr. Jay, tlie President of the 
Continental Congress to Gen. Wayne enclosing a copy of these reso- 
lutions, shows the concise and systematic mode of doing business 
at that time. 

" Philadelphia July 27, 1779. 
"Sir — Your late glorious achievements have merited and now 
receive the approbation and thanks of your country. They are con- 
tained in the enclosed act of Congress which I have the honor to 
transmit. This brilliant action adds luster to our arms and will teach 
the enemy to respect our power if not to imitate our humanity. You 
have nobly reaped laurels in the cause of your country and in the 
fields of danger and death. May these prove the earnest of more and 
may victory ever bear your standard and Providence be your shield. 

" I have the honor to be &c. 

" John Jay, President." 

Here is another multum in parvo worthy of imitation. Plain com- 
mon sense plainly and briefly told-every line gemmed with the puretst 
patriotism. 

Gen. Wayne was blessed with great presence of mind in sudden 
emergencies. When in the vicinity of James river, Virginia, he was 
incorrectly told that the main body of the British army had passed to 
the opposite side. He advanced with only 800 men for the purpose 
of capturing the rear guard but found the whole force of Lord Corn- 
wallis formed in line of battle. He%nmediately commenced a vigorous 
attack and then retreated in good order. Believing this to be an 
ambuscade stratagem the British dared not pursue him. In 1781 he 
was put in command of the forces in Georgia. After several san- 
guinary engagements he expelled the enemy from the state and planted 
the standard of freedom upon the ruins of tyranny-upon the firm basis 
of eternal justice. As a reward for his services that state presented 
him with a valuable plantation reversing the adage-republics are 
ungrateful. He continued in active service up to the close of the siege 
of Yorktown, a bold, prudent, skilful and reliable patriotic ofiicer. 
He remained in the army until the Independence for which he had 
fought and bled was fully recognised by mother Britain when he retired 
to the bosom of his family crowned with the highest military honors 
he desired and with the rank of Major General of the American army. 
But few of the Heroes of the Revolution did as much hard service as 
Gen. Wayne and no one did it up more brown. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 385 

In 1789 he was a member of tlie Pennsylvania convention to which 
was submitted the Federal Constitution, He warmly advocated its 
adoption. In 1792 he succeeded Gen. St. Clair in command of the 
army operating against the predatory Indian tribes in the far west. 
Gen. Wayne formed an encampment at Pittsburgh and thoroughly 
disciplined his troops preparatory to future action. So determined 
were the red men to maintain the rights that God and nature had 
bestowed upon them that many of the powerful tribes combined their 
war forces to resist their common enemy-the Christian white man. 
To meet them on their own ground and adopt their mode of warfare 
was the only way to insure success. For such a service it required 
time to prepare and energy to execute. In the autumn of 1793 Gen. 
Wayne had led his army to Greenville six miles from fort Jefferson 
where he established his winter quarters. He fortified his camp and 
built fort Recovery on the ground where the whites had been defeated 
on the 6th of November 1791. He collected the bones of those who 
then fell and had them buried under the honors of war. The presence 
of the army kept the Indians quiet during the winter. For the want 
of supplies the army did not reach the junction of the rivers Au Glaiz 
and Miami until the 8th of August where a fort was erected for the 
protection of military stores. Thirty miles from that place the English 
had erected a fort near which the Indians were in full force. On the 
18th the army reached the Miami rapids. There a fortification was 
erected for the protection of baggage and the position of the red men 
examined. They were found in a dense forest five miles distant 
advantageously posted. On the 20th the attack was arranged and the 
troops advanced. When reached the fire from behind trees was so 
effective that the front, led by Major Price, was compelled to fall back. 
At that moment-/ra// ar7ns-advance-Yan through the ranks with electric 
velocity and effect as it thundered from the strong lungs of Wayne. 
In a few brief moments the conquered red men were flying in every 
direction closely pursued by the victorious troops for two miles. So 
rapid was their retreat that Scott, who was ordered to turn their left 
flank, found naught but trees like men standing but not like men run- 
ning for dear life. Gen. Wayne had 33 men killed and 100 wounded. 
From this defeat the injured red men never recovered. They fled 
before fire and sword-their corn fields and villages were destroyed, 
their power paralyzed and a chain of forts established which kept them 
in constant awe and compelled them to relinquish their rightful domain 
after having struggled nobly to maintain their inalienable rights. True 
they were savages. Newton, Shakespeare, Washington, Henry- 
49 



386 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

savages born-savages would have died. The Indians have their fixed 
customs-we have ours. They had their rights-the white men took 
them forcibly away. Justice, money, time, or angels' tears can never 
expunge the wrong. This is my opinion-others have the same right 
to theirs-if different it will be easier to plead justification than to 
prove it. 

The result of the vigorous operations of Gen. Wayne was a general 
and definitive treaty with many of the different tribes of Aborigines 
who were compelled to bury the tomahawk and smoke the pipe of 
peace. This treaty was ratified on the 3d of August 1795. Tranquil- 
lity then spread her cheering mantle over our country from the shores 
of the Atlantic to the inland seas of the west. General Wayne con- 
tinued in the field of operations for the purpose of completing the ex- 
tended chain of forts proposed and planned by him. No one was better 
calculated for that arduous service. He continued to prosecute the 
work until December 1796, when he was cut down by disease in the 
flood-tide of his eventful career, deeply mourned and widely lamented. 
He died far from his family in a hut on Presque Isle, a peninsula in 
Erie county, Pa. that extends into Lake Erie, where he was buried and 
remained until 1809 when his son Isaac removed his remains to his 
native county and deposited them in the cemetery of St. David's church. 
The Pennsylvania State Cincinnati Society has erected a beautiful 
white marble monument over his grave with the following inscription 
on the south front. 

In honor of the distinguished 

Military services of 

Major General 

ANTHONY WAYNE, 

And as an affectionate tribute 

of respect to his memory 

This stone was erected by his 

companions in arms 

The Pennsylvania State Society of 

Cincinnati, 

July 4th, A. D. 1809, 

Thirty-fourth anniversary of 

The Independence of 

The United States of America, 

An event which constitutes 

the most 

Appropriate eulogium of an American 

Sc 'H and Patriot. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 387 

On the north front is the following inscription. 

Major General 

ANTHONY WAYNE 

Was born at Waynesborough 

in Chester County 

State of Pennsylvania 

A.D. 1745. 

After a life of honor and usefulness 

He died in December, 1796, 

at a military post 

On the shores of Lake Erie, 

Commander-in-chief of the army of 

THE United States. 

His military achievements 

are consecrated 

In the history of his country, 

and in 

The hearts of his countrymen. 

His remains 

Are here deposited. 

Although stricken down at the age of fifty-one years Gen. Wayno 
lived long enough to fill his measure of glory and see the star spangled 
nanner wave triumphantly over his native land. Far from his family 
as he was and in a rough cabin, he died peacefully. His spirit ascended 
to reap the rich reward of his labors in the cause of rational freedom 
and equal justice- 
He was a large, portly man of commanding military mien, with an 
open bold countenance. All the relations of private life he honored 
with the most rigid fidelity. In the legislative hall as in the field he 
was active and decisive. As a citizen he was esteemed in life and 
legretted in death. 



WILLIAM WHIPPLE Jr. 

That knowledge is of most importance that leads us in the shortest 
path to truth. A thorough common education, like common sense, is 
most useful. By a close observation of the laws of nature in full ope- 
ration around us, of things as presented to our understandings, of men 
as they move and act before us-we obtain a treasure of knowledge not 



388 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

always taught in the high schools and seldom hinted at-much less ex- 
pounded in modern books. Without this the classic scholar is arioal 
without a rudder. This is the kind that best answers the definition of 
the adage-KnoivIedge is power. In the great store-house of literature 
the quantity of fancy goods has, for some time past, far exceeded the 
coarser Kmd fit for everyday use. Whether this is an advantage to 
the intehect of man calculated to increase its strength and volume-oi 
like luxurious diet, enervate and weaken, is a problem worthy the solu- 
tion of every reader. Certain it is our hardy ancestors were not men- 
tally or physically pampered with knick-knacks that now supplant 
much solid matter. Certain it is that many of the patriots of the Revo- 
lution were self-made practical men and shone as conspicuously in the 
galaxy of sages as those whose early literary advantages were greater- 
conclusive evidence that there is a shorter path to truth. 

Among them William Whipple Jr. vv^as conspicuous. He was the 
eldest son of William Whipple-born at Kittery, Maine, in 1730. At a 
common English school he was taught reading, writing, arithmetic and 
navigation. These he mastered at an early age and was then entered 
a cabin boy on board a merchant vessel in accordance with his father's 
wishes and his own inclination. Before he reached his majority he 
became captain of a vessel and made several successful voyages to 
Europe. Some ignoramuses have vainly attempted to stigmatize his 
fair reputation at that era in his life because he participated in the in- 
human slave-trade. If they will learn the true state of feeling at that 
time upon this subject their anathemas will evaporate in thin air. The 
trade was then sanctioned by Great Britain under whose government 
Capt. Whipple acted and according to her laws-TAe King can do no 
wrong. The correctness of the trade was not then doubted but by a 
few philanthropists and its first cousin, the .Apprentice System, is still a 
favorite project with England. Time and reflection caused Captain 
Whipple to see the impropriety of the traffic and entirely abandon it at 
an early day. He also manumitted the only slave he owned who would 
not leave him during the war and fought bravely for the liberty of our 
country. If every man is to be condemned for the licensed or unli- 
censed errors of youth whose riper years are crowned with virtue, the 
list of fame will require many bold erasures and would be robbed of 
some of its proudest names. He who would do it must belong to the 
big crowd ignorant of human nature. 

In 1759 Capt. Whipple relinquished his oceanic pursuits and com- 
menced the mercantile business in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He 
also added the swivel link to his chain of earthly happiness by marrying 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 389 

Catharine Moffat. Every farmer, sailor and blacksmith knows the im- 
portance of this link in the common chain. The wise Creator designed 
it in the chain of life and no man should be without it. If of the right 
metal, it will save him from many a dangerous twist and often from a 
break. A word to the wise should be sufficient. 

During his numerous voyages Capt. Whipple had treasured up a large 
fund of useful knowledge. He was a close observer of men and things- 
an analyzing reader and mingled with the best and most intelligent men 
when in port. In England he had listened to the unwarranted preten- 
sions of ministers-in America-to the increasing complaints of the 
Colonists. He was familiar with the chartered rights of his own country 
and with the tyranny of the infatuated step-mother. He was prepared 
for action and took a bold stand in favor of freedom. He took a con- 
spicuous part in public meetings and became one of the Committee of 
Safety. He rose rapidly in public esteem-the former cabin boy became 
a leading patriot. 

In January 1775 he represented Portsmouth in the Provincial Con- 
gress at Exeter convened for the purpose of choosing delegates to the 
Continental Congress. On the 6th of the next January he was made a 
member of the Provincial Council of New Hampshire. On the 23d of 
the same month he was elected a member of Congress then in session at 
Philadelphia and continued actively and usefully engaged in that impor- 
tant station until the middle of September 1779. He was present at the 
adoption of the Declaration of Independence and affixed his name to 
that bold instrument with the same fearless nonchalance as if signing a 
bill of lading. He was emphatically a working man and rendered him- 
self extremely useful on committees. As a member of marine and com- 
mercial boards, his practical knowledge gave him an advantage over 
his colleagues. He was one of the superintendents of the commissary 
and quarter masters' department and did much towards correcting abuses 
and checking peculation. He was untiring in industry, ardent in zeal, 
philosophic in views, pure in purposes and strong in patriotism. When 
he retired from Congress to serve his country in a more perilous sphere, 
he had the esteem and approbation of his co-workers in the glorious 
cause of Liberty. 

In 1777 he became Brigadier General Whipple and took command 
of the first brigade of the Provincial troops of New Hampshire acting in 
concert with Gen. Stark who commanded the other. Gen. Burgoyne 
was on the flood tide of military glory-rushing down upon the north like 
a herd of wild buffaloes over a prairie-spreading consternation far and 
wide. He was first checked in his triumphant career by Gen. Stark at 



390 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Bennington, Vermont. Gen. Whipple joined Gen. Gates about the same 
time and was in the bloody battles of Saratoga and Stillwater where the 
pairn of victory was measurably attributed to the troops under his com- 
mand. To the consummation of the brilliant victory over the British army 
Gen. Whipple contributed largely. Col. Wilkinson and himself were the 
officers who arranged and signed the articles of capitulation between 
the two commanders. He was one of the officers who conducted the 
conquered foe to Winter Hill near Boston. His faithful negro partici- 
pated in all the perils of his old massa and could not have been more 
elateo with the victory had he been the commanding general. 

In 1778 Gen. Whipple was with Gen. Sullivan at the siege of New 
Port which was abandoned for want of the aid of Count D'Estaine 
whose fleet was injured by a gale. A safe retreat was eflected in the 
night. In 1780 Gen. Whipple was appointed a Commissioner of the 
Board of Admiralty which he declined, preferring to serve in the legisla- 
ture of his own state in which he continued for years. In 1782 he was 
appointed Financial Receiver for New Hampshire by Robert Morris. 
The office was arduous, unpopular and irksome but in his hands lost 
much of its odiousness. At the end of two years he resigned. On the 
20th of June 1782 he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court. On 
the 25th Dec. 1784 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and Quorum 
throughout the state which latter office he held to the day of his death. 
He was one of the commissioners on the part of Connecticut to settle the 
controversy between that state and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
relative to lands in Wyoming valley. In all the multiform duties 
that devolved upon him in the various public stations he filled he acquitted 
himself nobly. He possessed a strong analyzing mind, deep penetration 
of thought, a clear head and good heart. 

During the latter part of his life he suffered much from disease in his 
chest which terminated his useful career on the 28th of Nov. 1785. At 
his request before death, his body underwent a post mortum examination. 
His heart was found ossified. The valves were united to the aorta and 
an aperture not larger than a common knitting kneedle was all that 
remained for the passage of the blood. This explained the reason of his 
faintness under sudden emotion. 

In all the relations of private and public life-from the cabin boy up to 
the lofty pinnacle of a well earned fame. Gen. Whipple was a model of 
consistency and virtue. He left a reputation pure as the virgin sheet. 
His career demonstrated clearly that in our country fame is confined to 
no grade in life and that practical knowledge, crowned with strong com- 
mon sense, enables a man to be substantially useful to his country and 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 391 

fellow men. Citizens of America of only a common education-you can 
and should be useful. Look at this bright example and govern yourselves 
accordingly. 



WILLIAM WILLIAMS. 

Infidelity, in all its multiform aspects, is a legitimate child ol 
inconsistency. The man who has impartially read the Bible-who 
understands physiology, the philosophy of mind-the minutiae of 
anatomy, the unerring laws of nature, the powers of reason-the revolv- 
ing circuit of his own immortal soul and denies the existence of Him 
who spake and it was done-who commanded and it stood fast-dis- 
robes himself of the noblest power bestowed by creative Wisdom and 
forfeits the high dignity of a man. All things, from the leaf that 
vibrates in the gentle breeze to the etherial sky spangled with stars, 
proclaim the existence of a God. Most assuredly there is a Supreme 
Being who rules, with unerring wisdom, in the kingdoms of Nature, 
Providence and Grace. Beyond all cavil this position is most condu- 
cive to the happiness of the human family in this life. The super- 
structure of the Infidel is clustered with present misery. If its 
foundation should prove sandy he curses himself in this world to be 
more wretched in the next. Aside from the question of its divinity- 
Religion is the substratum of social order and human felicity. Infidelity 
is the destruction of both. History is crowded with demonstrations 
of this position. Banish the Bible and religion from our Republic- 
remove this firm foundation upon which the Sages of the Revolution 
based it-anarchy would ensue and we should rush into the same vortex 
of ruin which engulphed the French Republic. 

By many of our Revolutionary patriots religion was exemplified- 
by all it was venerated. Among those of them who enjoyed its full 
fruition through life was William Williams born at Lebanon, Wind- 
ham County, Connecticut, on the 8th of April 1731. He was the son 
of Rev. Solomon Williams whose paternal ancestor came from Wales 
in 1630. Solomon was pastor of the Congregational church at Lebanon 
for fifty-six years. He was a man of consistent and uniform piety-of 
liberal and expansive views and believed religion to be the foundation 
of rational liberty. His own soul enraptured with the substantial joys 
of practical piety-he strongly desired his children might inherit the 
same blessing. His prayers were answered. Of a large family of 
sons and daughters-all consecrated iheujselves to the Lord of glory 



392 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

and became exemplary members of the church over which their father 
presided. 

After completing his preparatory studies William entered Harvard 
College and graduated in 1751. He sustained a high reputation for 
correct deportment untiring industry and scholastic lore. His father 
then directed his theological course preparatory for the sacred desk. 
But his talents were too diversified for a clerical life. He had a taste 
for classics, architecture, mechanics, mathematics and general science. 

He was also inclined to travel. In 1755 he accepted a commission 
in the staff of Col. Ephraim Williams a kinsman of his and founder of 
Williams College at Williamstown, Mass. Sir William Johnson, who 
commanded the English troops, detached Col. Williams with 1100 men 
to reconnoitre the army of Baron Dieskau composed of a large force 
of French and Indians. After proceeding some four miles the detach- 
ment was attacked by a superior force lying in ambush. Col. Williams 
fell in the early part of the engagement bravely fighting for the mother 
country. His troops then retreated in good order until the main body 
came up and repulsed the enemy 

The French war cost the Americans much blood and treasure. It 
was a matter of allegiance-not of interest. The Canadas were won 
by the Colonies for Great Britain. The pilgrim fathers were long 
treated and used as vassals of the English crown. Blended with the 
unparalleled cruelties of the hired minions of the mother country was 
damning ingratitude-the concentrated essential oil of Pandora that 
drives back the rushing blood upon the aching heart. 

During the campaign Mr. Williams became disgusted with the 
hauteur of the British officers towards native Americans who were by 
far the most efficient troops against the Indians and French, whose 
mode of warfare they better understood. Released from the army, he 
resolved never again to submit to such indignities. He returned home 
and commenced the mercantile business. Soon after, he was elected 
town clerk, a member of the assembly and appointed a justice of the 
peace. These were unsought favors-purely a tribute to merit. For a 
long time he was either speaker or clerk of the House of Representatives 
in which he served nearly one hundred sessions. For fifty years ne 
faithfully served in a public capacity. 

When the Revolutionary storm began to darken the horizon of 
public tranquillity he boldly met its raging fury. Extensively and 
favorably known-his salutary influence had a wide range. When 
the tocsin of war was sounded he closed his commercial concerns and 
devoted his whole time to the glorious cause of equal rights and rational 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 393 

Liberty. His learning, piety, honesty of ^ nrpose, energy of action and 
large experience-combined to give great weight to his character. He 
was an active member of the council of safety and on the second 
Thursday of October 1775, was appointed a delegate to the Continental 
Congress. He entered zealously into the deliberations of that revered 
body and made himself truly useful. He was ever ready to go as far 
as any one to obtain the liberation of his suffering country from the 
serpentine coils of tyranny. He was in favor of bold and vigorous 
measures and advocated the Declaration of Rights from its incipient 
conception to its final adoption. He was greatly instrumental in dis- 
pelling the doubts of many whose motives and desires were as pure 
but whose moral courage was less than his. He was well versed in 
the different forms of government, international law and the routine 
of legislation. When he spoke in public he was listened to with pro- 
found attention. He was a member of Congress in 1776-7 and when 
the final vote was taken upon the Magna Charta of our Liberty 
William Williams responded a thundering-AYE-that told his boldness 
and his zeal. That vote stands confirmed by his signature-a proud 
memento of his unalloyed patriotism-a conclusive proof of his moral 
firmness. 

He was free from that aspiring ambition that is based on self and 
nurtured by intrigue. His motives emanated from the pure fountain 
of an honest heart. To promote the glory of his country was the ulti- 
matum of his earthly desires. Upon the altar of Liberty he was will- 
ing to sacrifice his property and life. To vindicate the cause of Free- 
dom he was willing to spend his latest breath. He used every honora- 
ble exertion to rouse his fellow citizens to a sense of danger and induce 
them to enlist in the common cause against the common enemy. At 
the time Congress was compelled to flee from Philadelphia he risked 
his life to rescue Colonel Dyer from the fangs of the British who had 
planned his arrest. They both made a hair-breadth escape. When the 
government treasury was drained of its last dollar, Mr. Williams threw 
in what he termed a mite of hard money, being over two thousand dol- 
lars for which he took continental money only to die in his hands. 
How emphatically things are changed. Now the public treasury dis- 
tributes mint drops profusely upon many whose pretended services are 
as worthless as continental rags-in some instances absolutely injurious. 

He was remarkably active and fortunate in obtaining private dona- 
tions and necessaries for the army. He went from house to house, 
leceiving small parcels of any and every article that would alleviate 
'ihe wants of the destitute soldiers. At different times he forwarded to 
60 



394 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

them more than a thousand blankets. During the winter of 1781 he 
gave up his own house for the accommodation of the officers of the 
legion of Col. J-aurens and did all in his power to render officers and 
soldiers comfortable. His industry was equal to his patriotism seldom 
retiring until after twelve and up again by the dawn of day. 

Mr. Williams was a member of the convention of his state when the 
Federal Constitution was adopted and gave it his hearty sanction. He 
was never permitted to retire from the public arena until prostrated by 
disease which terminated his useful career on the 2d of August 1811. 
He had lived the life of a good man-his end was peaceful, calm and 
happy. 

He was a fine figure of the middle size, dark complexion and hair, 
piercing black eyes, an aquiline nose, an open and ingenuous counte- 
nance, a stentorian voice and strong physical powers. He was blessed 
with a clear head, a noble heart, a sound judgment, an acute perception 
and a logical mind. Not a blot could be found upon the fair fame of 
his public or private character. During the latter part of his life he 
was troubled with an increasing aeafness and spent much of his time in 
Christian devotion. But few men have served their country as much 
and no one more faithfully than did William Williams. 



JAMES' WILSON. 

The history of party spirit is red with blood. Its career has been 
marked with desolation and ruin. It often rides on the whirlwind of 
faction or on the more dreadful tornado of fanaticism. It has blotted 
kingdoms and empires from existence, consumed nations, blighted the 
fairest portions of creation and sacrificed millions upon its sanguinary 
altar. Confined to no time or place-it has taken deep root in our own 
country. Its poison has contaminated our political and religious atmo- 
sphere most fearfully. It has had its victims of blood in this land of 
republican and Christian professions. Its miasma has reached our bal 
lot boxes, violated the peaceful fireside, traduced private character, in- 
vaded patriotism, induced perjury, countenanced forgery, corrupted our 
elective franchise and produced mobocracy in its most direful aspect. 
Great and good men have been victimized by reckless partisans who 
stop at nothing and stoop to everything to accomplish their purposes- 
right or wrong. They look at the end regardless of means. 

In recurring to the eventful period of the American Revolution those 
who are not familiar with the history of the local politics of that day 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 395 

may naturally conclude that party spirit found no place in the bosoms 
of those who were engaged in a common cause against a common 
enemy. Far different was the fact. Many of the best men of tnat 
trying period were scourged, lacerated and for a time paralyzed by 
reckless party spirit. 

Among its victims was James Wilson, born of respectable parents 
near St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1742. His father was a farmer in mo- 
derate circumstances which he moderated still more by rushing into 
the whirlpool of speculation-an unfortunate propensity that adhered to 
this son. He graduated at St. Andrews, Edinburgh. This done he 
took lessons in rhetoric under Dr. Blair and in logic under Dr. Watts. 
He then came to Philadelphia and obtained the situation of usher in the 
college of that city. His moral worth, strong talents and high literary 
a tainments gained for him the esteem and marked respect of Dr. Rich- 
ard Peters, Bishop White and many others whose friendship and influ- 
ence were most desirable. Those who knew him best admired him 
most. 

He subsequently studied law under John Dickinson and settled at 
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he rose rapidly to the head of the Bar. 
A powerful exhibition of Ciceronian eloquence and legal acumen at the 
trial of an important land case between the Proprietaries and Samuel 
Wallace gained for him an early professional celebrity. The Attorney 
General, Mr. Chew, fixed his eyes upon him soon after he commenced 
his argument and gazed at him with admiring astonishment until he 
closed his lucid speech. He was immediately retained in another im- 
portant land cause and was considered equal to any member of the 
Pennsylvania Bar. He removed ultimately to Annapolis, Maryland 
and at the end of a year to Philadelphia where he was liberally patron- 
ised but rushing occasionally into the whirlpool of speculation his cir- 
cumstances were uniformly embarrassed. As an evidence of his good- 
ness of heart, amidst the most keen reverses he remitted money regu- 
larly to his poor widowed mother in Scotland to the day of her death 
using every means in his power to smooth her path to the tomb. 

With the intolerant commencement of British oppression the politi- 
cal career of Mr. Wilson began. He boldly spoke and ably wrote in 
favor of equal rights and liberal principles. He was an early and zeal- 
ous advocate of the American cause. Of a consistent and reflecting 
mind he sometimes censured the rashness of others which brought upon 
him malicious slanders which enabled his enemies several times to en- 
velope him so completely in the dark fog of party spirit as to partially 



396 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

paral}ze his exertions until the sun of truth would rise and dispel the 
vapors of calumny. 

He was a member of the Provincial Convention of 1774, convened 
for the purpose of devising plans for the redress of grievances imposed 
by England. During the session he was nominated to the Congress 
soon to meet. He was bitterly opposed by Mr. Galloway but was 
elected by a handsome majority. He was continued a member of 
Congress until 1777 when his enemies succeeded in their long nursed 
machinations against him. At the commencement of hostilities he was 
commissioned colonel and appointed a commissioner to treat with the 
Indians. On the 4th of July 1776 he proved his sincerity in the cause 
of Liberty by a fearless vote and a bold signature in favor of the De- 
claration of Independence. In the minds of all who were not blinded 
by party spirit his action on that day refuted the base slanders that had 
been promulged against him. At the shrine of this dread monster the 
brightest subjects of purity have often been sacrificed. No goodness 
of heart-no brilliancy of talent-no exalted worth-no sanctity of cha- 
racter can shield a public man from the base assaults of party spirit-be 
he benefactor, philanthropist, saint, sage or hero. Even Washington 
writhed under the ostracism of this withering scourge. Some men 
are born demi-gogs and live under the influence of Gog and Magog 
during their deleterious existence. 

Mr. Wilson was an esteemed and active member of the Continental 
Congress. Born a Scot he would not have exemplified the marked 
trait of his nation had he not been cool and cautious in everything. 
He, with many others, opposed the immediate adoption of the Declara- 
tion of Independence-not because they doubted its justice but because 
they believed the Colonies were not in a physical condition to sustain 
it. His patriotism and republicanism both stood forth in bold relievo 
when the question was finally put. He venerated the instrument and 
was bound by principle to submit to the will of the majority in what 
he believed to be clearly right although he believed it premature. His 
opposition was based upon the single fact of the physical weakness of 
the Colonies clearly expressed, yet his partisan enemies branded him 
with a want of patriotism. The people were not long deceived and 
esteemed him the more for his candor. 

In 1782 he was again elected to Congress and was hailed as one of 
its most efficient members. The same year he was appointed one of 
the counsellors and agents of Pennsylvania to meet the commissioners 
who convened at Trenton, New Jersey, for the final settlement of the 
protracted controversy between Connecticut and that commonwealth 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 397 

relative to certain lands in the Wyoming Valley. The luminous and 
unanswerable arguments of Mr. Wilson had a controlling influence 
over the commissioners who decided in favor of Pennsylvania and 
closed an unpleasant litigation of years. 

During the i7iterbn when he was not in Congress he held the office 
of advocate-general for the French which led him to a close investiga- 
tion of national and maritime law. For this service the French king 
gave him 10,000 livres. He was at the same time a director in the 
Bank of North America and had the full confidence of Robert Morris 
as a safe and able financial adviser. As an active and discreet member 
of important committees he stood in the front rank. He traced the lines 
of every subject with the conipass of wisdom and closed its bearings 
and measurement with mathematical precision. He arrived at the de- 
sired goal with less show but with more certainty than some whose 
zeal was more impetuous but not more 'pure than his. He sought more 
to bestow lasting benefits on his country than to elicit the huzzas of the 
multitude. He well knew that effervescent popularity was not an index 
of that substantial usefulness which lives long after that transient vapor 
consigns its ephemeral subjects to the mellow repose of peaceful obli- 
vion. Balloon politicians may become inflated by the hydrogen of 
party spirit and rise in the political atmosphere followed by the eyes 
and elated by the shouts of thousands. A single spark of fire from the 
furnace that created the gas will show most of them to be treacherous 
and unsafe gasometers. Modest worth avoids ethereal excursions. It 
stands like a rock of granite on the terra Jirma of deep thought, calm 
reflection and sound discretion. Nothing but a sense of imperious duty 
can induce the very men who should be there to enter the whirling 
vortex and thorny arena of politics. How many such men are now in 
public stations guarding the rights and directing the proper destiny of 
our nation is a subject worthy of careful and anxious inquiry. If the 
people in mass are not true to themselves demagogues will not be true 
to them. 

Mr. Wilson was one of the most useful members of the Convention 
that formed the Federal Constitution. He strongly opposed the popu- 
lar project of the appointment of members of Congress by the legisla- 
tures of the States and was mainly instrumental in placing their election 
in the hands of the people. This principle should have been applied to 
every office named in that instrument not subject to the control and 
supervision of the President and Senate. Mr. Wilson was one of the 
committee that put the Constitution in form and reported it to the Con- 
vention. When completed by amendments and presented to his own 



398 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

State he was its most powerful advocate and bore down upon the op- 
position with a sweeping torrent of eloquence and logic that was irre- 
sistible. He was also a member of the Convention of Pennsylvania to 
amend its Constitution, in which he took a decided stand in favor of 
placing the elective franchise in the hands of the people. The last ves- 
tige of aristocracy trembled before him and the last whisper of slander 
against the purity of his republicanism died upon the lips of echo. The 
boldest features of liberal principles in the old revised Constitution of 
that State were penned by James Wilson. Had his views been fully 
incorporated in that instrument I presume a second revision would not 
have been made. 

When the Supreme Court of the United States was organized Wash- 
ington selected Mr. Wilson for one of its judges. This high office he 
filled with great ability up to the time of his death. In 1790 he was 
appointed the first professor of the Law College in Philadelphia. When 
that and the University of Pennsylvania were united he filled the chair. 
As a learned and eloquent lawyer he had no superior at the Philadel- 
phia bar. He was honored with the degree of LL.D. and during the 
first year of his professorship delivered an admirable course of lectures 
to the law students. Like most of the Scotch literati, towards them he 
was distant and reserved. His writings were vigorous and logical. 
In 1774 he wrote a spirited essay on the assumptions of the British 
Parliament not warranted by Magna Charta and portrayed the bless- 
ings arising from a republican form of government in such fascinating 
colors that it exercised a wide and salutary influence. To the unini- 
tiated in party politics it may seem strange that any one accused James 
Wilson of aristocracy or a want of patriotism. A purer friend of his 
country or a more ardent advocate of the cause of freedom could not 
be found among the sages of '76. He passed through the ordeal of 
party persecution several times but truth-telling time forced his enemies 
to retrace their steps disgraced and shamed. 

On the 28th of August 1798 this venerable sage, eminent lawyer, able 
statesman, profound jurist and impartial judge took a final leave of 
earth and closed his eyes in death. He died of strangury whilst ab- 
sent on his circuit. Fortunately he was with his friend Judge Iredell 
in Edenton North Carolina where his ashes repose in peace. During 
his last illness he realized the proverbial hospitality of the south and 
was cared for in the kindest manner. 

The private character of Judge Wilson was beyond reproach. He 
was a warm friend, an affectionate husband, a faithful father, a conso- 
lation to the widow and the fatherless, an upright and honest man. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 399 

In reviewing the history of this worthy man no one can doubt his 
patriotism and purity. No room is left to question his devotion to the 
American cause and his firm opposition to British oppression. Influ- 
enced by noble motives, guided by liberal principles-it is painful to re- 
flect that he was often wounded in the house of his professed friends by 
those who had sworn to support the same cause he so ardently and ably 
espoused. The solution of this paradoxical problem may be found in 
the present state of things without travelling back to that time of times, 
when party spirit should have withdrawn its hydra head into its legiti- 
mate Pandora box. We have those among us who live under the pro- 
tective mantle of the Federal Constitution and the laws based upon it, 
who denounce that Constitution and refuse obedience to statutes ac- 
cording with it unless those statutes advance their interests and chime 
with their revolutionary views. They are cancers on the body politic 
loathsome to the sight of every friend of our country-to every advocate 
of our Union. It would promote our safety and their happiness to 
colonize them beyond fifty-four forty. 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 

The man who makes the Bible his counsellor-the polar star of his 
actions, will not go far astray. Divine in its origin, the sublimity of its 
language caps the climax of composition. As a history of the grand 
epoch when God said-" Let there be light-and there was light"-it stands 
alone clothed in all the majesty of Divinity. As a chronicle of the crea- 
tion of man after the moral image of Deity-of his ruinous fall-of the 
glorious plan of his redemption-it must remain unrivalled. As a chart of 
human nature-human rights and wrongs and of the attributes of the great 
Jehovah-in precision, fullness and force of description it far exceeds the 
boldest strokes, the finest touches of the master spirits of elocution in 
every age. As a system of morals and religion-the efforts of men to add 
to its transcendent beauty-its omnipotent strength-are as vain as an 
attempt to bind the wind or imprison the ocean. As a book of poetry 
and eloquence-it rises in grandeur above the proudest production of the 
most brilliant talents that have illuminated and enraptured the classic 
world. As a book of Revelation-it cast a flood of light upon the wilder- 
ness of mind that shed fresh lustre upon reason, science and philosophy. 
As a book of counsel-its wisdom is profound, boundless, infinite. It 
meets every case in time and is a golden chain reaching from earth to 
Heaven. It teaches our native dignity-the duties we owe to our God, 



400 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

families, parents, children and our fellow men. It teaches us how to 
live and how to die-arms the Christian in panoply complete-snatches 
from death its painful sting-from the grave its boasted victory and points 
the pious soul to its crowning glory-a blissful immortality beyond the 
skies. The man who is led by this sacred book to lean upon the Supreme 
Ruler of revolving worlds, has a sure support that earth cannot give or 
take away. When we can rightfully appeal to Heaven for aid in our 
undertakings, faith, bids us onward and fear no danger. 

A large portion of the most prominent patriots of the American Revo- 
lution were pious men. I am not aware of one who did not believe in 
an overruling Providence. Several of them were devoted ministers of 
the gospel. Among these was John Witherspoon, born in the parish of 
Yester near Edinburgh, Scotland, on the 5th of February 1722. He 
was a lineal descendant of John Knox the celebrated reformer. The 
father of John was minister of Yester parish and moulded the mind of 
this son in the ways of wisdom, virtue and science. At an early age 
he placed him in the Haddington school where the rare beauties of his 
young mind unfolded like the flowers of spring. He soared above the 
trifling allurements that too often lead childhood and youth astray. His 
studies were his chief delight. He exhibited a maturity of judgment, clear- 
ness of perception and depth of thought-seldom maifested in juvenile life. 
He entered the Edinburgh University at the age of fourteen and fully 
realized the anticipations of his friends in his educational advancement. 
Especially did he excel in theology. He passed the ordeal of his final 
examination at the age of twenty-one and was licensed to proclaim to 
his fellow men the glad tidings of the Gospel of Peace. He immediately 
became the assistant of his revered father-a favorite among their parish- 
ioners-an eloquent preacher of plain practical Christianity. 

On the 17th of January 1746, he was a " looker on in Vienna" at the 
battle of Falkirk and with many others whose curiosity had led them to 
the scene of action, was seized by the victorious rebels and imprisoned 
in the castle of Doune. After his release he resided a few years at 
Beith, subsequently at Paisly-rendering himself very useful as an exem- 
plary and faithful minister. During his residence at the latter place he 
received urgent calls from Dublin, Rotterdam and Dundee He also had 
an invitation to fill the presidential chair of the College of New Jersey 
in America to which he had been elected on the 19th of November 1766. 
This was done at the suggestion of Richard Stockton. A general 
demurrer by his friends and a special demurrer by his relatives were 
entered against his acceptance. Ingenious arguments were used to 
sustain the pleas put in. The delights of his native home-the horrors of 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 401 

the. western wilderness were placed before him in fearful contrast. A 
very wealthy bachelor relative offered to will him his large estate if he 
would remain. For a year he declined the proffered chair. During 
that time his lady caught "the missionary fever" and became anxious to 
embark for the new world-removing every obstacle with the ingenuity 
and perseverance peculiar to woman when bent upon the accomplish- 
ment of a noble object. On the 9th of December 1767 Mr. Stockton 
had the pleasure of communicating his acceptance to the trustees of the 
college which was most joyfully received. 

Early in the ensuing August he arrived with his family and was 
inaugurated at Princeton on the 17th of that month. His literary fame 
had been spread through the Colonies and caused an immediate acces- 
sion of students-a new impetus to the institution-a renovation of the 
empty treasury of the college. He introduced a thorough and har- 
monious system in all its departments and fully answered the most 
sanguine anticipations of his warmest friends. 

His mode of instruction was calculated to expand the ideas of his 
students and launch them upon the sea of investigation. He expelled 
the dogmatical and bewildering clouds of metaphysical fatality and 
mystic physiology that rendered darkness visible in the old schools. 
He illuminated the minds of his students with the mellow rays of scien- 
tific truth based upon enlightened philosophy, sound reason, plain com- 
mon sense and liberal principles. He taught them to explore the laby- 
rinthian avenues of human nature-the vast circuit of their own immortal 
minds. He raised before them the curtain of the material, moral, phy- 
sical and intellectual panorama-lucidly demonstrated their harmonious 
unity of action-perfected by the great Architect of this mighty ma- 
chinery made for man. He pointed them to the duties they owed to 
themselves, their fellow men, their country and their God. He awa- 
kened in their souls the living energies of charity that assimilates man 
to Deity and prompts him to noble god-like action. He taught them 
how to live and be useful-how to throw off this mortal coil when the 
journey of life should end. His instructions were luminous andenrich- 
ing-his precepts fertilizing as the dew of Hermon. 

On the flood tide of a high literary and theological fame he floated 
peacefully along until the revolutionary storm drove him from the col- 
lege and the pulpit of his church to a different sphere of action. Before 
coming to America he understood well the relations between the mo- 
ther country and the colonies. He was master of civilian philosophy, 
international law, monarchical policy and the principles of rational free- 
dom. The enrapturing beauties of Liberty and the hideous deformity 
51 



402 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of tyranny passed in review before his gigantic mind. In the designs 
of creative Wisdom he saw the equal rights of man and resolved to 
vindicate them. He at once took a bold stand in favor of his adopted 
country. With an eagle's flight he mounted the pinnacle of political 
fame-with a statesman's eye he surveyed the mighty work before him. 
The plan of political regeneration stood approved by Heaven-he deter- 
mined to give his aid to the glorious cause. Most nobly did he dis- 
charge every duty assigned him. 

From the commencement of revolutionary agitation he was a mem- 
ber of various committees and conventions formed for the purpose of 
seeking redress from the k'mg-peaceably if possibIe-;/brc?6/y if neces- 
sary. He was a member of the Convention of New Jersey that framed 
the new Constitution in 1776. On the 20th of June the same year he 
was elected to the Continental Congress and most ably and eloquently 
advocated the Declaration of Independence to which he affixed his 
name, appealing to his God for approval-to the world for the justice of 
the cause he espoused. He was continued a member of Congress up 
to 1782 with the exception of one year and contributed largely in shed- 
ding lustre over its deliberations. With a mind and intelligence able 
to grasp, comprehend and expound the whole minutiae of government 
and legislation, he combined a patriotic zeal and holy devotion for his 
country-unsurpassed by any of his colleagues. His labors were inces- 
sant, his industry untiring, his perseverance unyielding-his patriotism 
as clear as the crystal fountain-pure as the pellucid stream. 

During the time he served in the legislative halls he did not neglect 
the higher honors of the vineyard of his Lord and Master. He was 
often at the family altar, in the closet and the pulpit. He was one of 
the most able, eloquent and profound preachers of that eventful period. 
He was one of the brightest ornaments of the religion of the Cross-one 
of the strongest advocates in the cause of Liberty. As a speaker he 
was listened to with deep interest-as a systematic and logical debater 
he had few equals. His arguments were a posteriori, a priori and a/or- 
iion-leading the mind from effect to cause, from cause to effect ana 
deducing the stronger reason. His corollaries were often of the most 
thrilling character. He sometimes resorted to syllogism with great 
effect. His speeches would be a syllabus to many of modern times 
upon the same subjects. His memory was remarkably retentive, his 
perceptions clear, his judgment acute. 

He was a member of the secret committee of Congress the duties of 
which were delicate and arduous. He was a member of the committee 
to co-operate with Gen. Washington in replenishing and regulating the 



OF THE AMERICAN R I VOLUTION. 403 

army-of the commitlee of finance and upon several other working com- 
mittees. The eloquent appeals to the people from Congress, recom- 
mending days for fasting and prayer were from his nervous pen. The 
Durning and melting manifesto, protesting against the inhuman treat- 
ment of the American prisoners confined on board the filthy prison- 
ships at New York, was supposed to emanate from him. 

Dr. Witherspoon was prophetic in his mode of reasoning when point- 
mg out the results of propositions laid before Congress and opposed all 
those he believed would terminate unfavorably. He strongly remon- 
strated against the issue of continental money. His predictions of sud- 
den depreciation were too fully realized. It took a rapid downward 
course and soon reached the ruinous discount of one hundred and fifty 
dollars of paper for one of silver and then took a fatal leap and plunged 
into the abysm of worthlessness. So deeply did he probe every subject 
that he investigated, that his powers of penetration became proverbial. 
Most of the measures he proposed when he entered the legislative arena 
that were adopted proved successful and those he opposed and were 
adopted uniformly proved disastrous. 

In the halls of classic literature, the ecclesiastic courts or on the floor 
of Congress, he was a shining light to those around him. His literary, 
theological and political writings were numerous, of a high order and 
are justly celebrated here and in Europe. They exhibit a pleasing 
and rich variety of thought-a strong and chaste imagination-a luminous 
and flowing fancy-a keen and sarcastic wit-a brilliant and fascinating 
style-broad and liberal views-philosophic and logical propositions- 
clear and convincing conclusions-all mellowed with the rich freshness 
of living charity and universal philanthropy. 

In 1779 he resigned his seat in Congress in consequence of ill health. 
His son-in-law. Rev. Dr. Smith was Vice President of the college and 
relieved him from the most arduous duties of President. The next 
year he was again elected to Congress and resigned finally in 1782. 
The trustees of the college then persuaded him to embark for Europe 
for the purpose of raising funds for the institution. As he predicted 
before he left, his efibrts were unsuccessful. He returned in 1784 and 
retired to his country seat a mile from Princeton, there to enjoy the 
blessings of peace and the golden fruits that had been richly earned by 
years of peril and toil. Surrounded by relatives and friends, enjoying 
the praise and gratitude of a nation of freemen-his name immortalized 
as a scholar, divine, civilian, statesman and patriot-he sat down under 
the bright canopy of a clear conscience-an approving Heaven-antici- 
pating a crown of unfading glory beyond the skies. 



404 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

In this manner he glided down the stream of time peaceful and 
happy until the 15th of November 1794, when he fell asleep in the 
arms of his Lord and Master, calm as a summer morning, serene as a 
cerulean sky-welcoming the messenger of death with a seraphic smile. 
He was buried at Princeton. 

A review of the life of this great and good man affords an instruc- 
tive lesson for every considerate reader. He was endowed with all 
the qualities calculated to ennoble and dignify man and assimilate him 
to his Creator. His superior virtues and endowments eclipsed his 
frailties and placed him on a lofty eminence beyond the reach of envy, 
malice or slander. His fame is clustered with refulgent beauty that 
will spread a lustre over his name that will brighten and shine until 
the death knell of Liberty shall be sounded and social order rush 
back to original anarchy. 

In all the relations of public and private life. Dr. Witherspoon stood 
approved, admired, revered. Let all strive to imitate his examples 
that our lives may be useful in time-our final exit tranquil and 
happy-ever remembering that virtue is the crowning glory of talent. 



. OLIVER WOLCOTT. 

The unrestrained oppressions of imperial and kingly power, long 
exercised with impunity, have been receding before the light of intelli- 
gence with an ominous but rather unsteady pace for the last few cen- 
turies. As the genial rays of Liberty illuminate the crowding millions 
of the human family the tenure of thrones will become more slender- 
monarchies more limited if not annihilated. In Europe kingly power 
has been vibrating for years in the cradle of a political earthquake. 
The love of freedom has never been extinguished in the old world. 
The same motive power that prompted the pilgrims to court the 
dangers and privations of this western hemisphere, still pervades the 
bosoms of those held in bondage by military force. Volcanic erup- 
tions occasionally occur-new craters open-the time is rolling on rapidly 
when these craters will rush together and deluge kingly and imperial 
power with one broad sheet of liquid fire. In thunder tones of retri- 
bution the people will proclaim their Fr'eedom. 

When our ancestors planted themselves on the granite shores of 
America they had clear conception of a republican form of government 
as organized by Greece and Rome. Many of them had read the 
ihrilling history of the rise, progress and fall of those republics in the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTCON. 405 

original languages where none of the beauties or force are lost by 
translation. They were prepared to improve upon those governments 
by avoiding their errors and preserving all that was valuable. With 
these lights the pilgrim fathers appear to have been illuminated when 
rearing the incipient superstructure of a more pure republic than any 
before known. At first, articles of association were entered into by 
the people of a single or contiguous settlements, based upon the broad 
platform of equal rights and universal Liberty circumscribed only by 
eternal justice and sterling honesty. Among the earliest of these 
miniature republics was that consolidating Windsor, Hartford and 
Weathersfield in Connecticut. The articles of association adopted by 
this infant Colony were penned by Roger Ludlow. The revised 
constitution of that state is either substantially copied from the instru- 
ment drawn by Ludlow or the ideas of republicans must run in a 
channel that has no change. 

Among those who directed the destiny of the pioneers of the new 
world the name of Wolcott stands conspicuous. Henry Wolcott, the 
patriarch ancestor, removed from England to Dorchester, Mass. in 
1630. In 1636 he founded the town of Windsor, Connecticut. During 
the perils of the Indian wars-the difficulties with the Canadian French 
and through all the various vicissitudes that have pervaded New Eng- 
land down to the present time, the descendants of Henry Wolcott have 
acted a conspicuous part. They were ready to go where duty called- 
to the field or legislative hall. 

Oliver Wolcott, the subject of this brief sketch, was the son of Roger 
Wolcott who was appointed Governor of Connecticut in 1751. This 
son was born on the 26th of November 1726 and graduated at Yale 
College in 1747. The same year he was commissioned to raise and 
command a company which he marched to the defence of the northern 
frontiers where he remained until the peace of Aix la Chapelle. He 
then returned and applied himself to the study of medicine until he was 
appointed the first sheriff of Litchfield County formed in 1751. In 
1755 he married Laura Collins a discreet woman of great merit. In 
1774 he was appointed counsellor which station he filled for twelve 
consecutive years. He was also chief judge of the Common Pleas 
Court and for a long time a judge of the Probate Court. In the mili- 
tary field he rose from the grade of captain to that of major-general. 
In the summer of 1776 he commanded the fourteen regiments raised 
by Gov. Trumbull to act with the army in New York. He headed his 
division at the memorable battle that resulted in the capture of Bur- 
goyne and revived the drooping spirits of those who were engaged in 



i06 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the glorious cause of equal rights. He was uniformly consulted on im- 
portant military movements and listened to with great confidence. 
From its commencement he was a zealous and efficient advocate of 
the cause of freedom and stood firm amidst the revolutionary storm 
undaunted by the roaring of the British lion. 

In 1775 Congress made him commissioner of Indian affairs for the 
Northern Department then an important trust. During the same year 
he effected much towards reconciling disputes between Colonies rela- 
tive to their boundaries. Amiable and persuasive in his manners-im- 
bued with a clear sense of justice, he was an admirable mediator. He 
merited the blessing pronounced on peace-makers. 

In 1776 he took his seat in Congress and remained until he affixed 
his signature to that Declaration of Rights which burst the chains of 
maternal bondage-gave birth to our nation in a day-astonished gazing 
millions-shook the British throne to its centre and gave us a Republic 
that surpasses all Greek-all Roman fame. 

He then returned to the field and on all occasions proved a brave, 
skilful and prudent officer. When he deemed his services more useful 
in Congress than in the army he would take his seat in that body, which 
he did at intervals up to 1783. In 1785 he was associated with Arthur 
Lee and Richard Butler to conclude a treaty of peace with the Six 
Nations of Indians. The year following he was elected lieutenant- 
governor and performed the duties of that office with great ability and 
dignity up to the time of his death which occurred on the 1st day of 
December 1797. He died regretted by the nation at largo, but most 
by those who knew him best. 

His numerous public services were highly appreciated. They were 
promptly and judiciously performed without any parade, pomp or vain 
show. His private character was adorned by all the richness of purity- 
purpose and action, that render a man an ornament among the virtuous. 
He possessed all the sterling virtues-was a devout and consistent Chris- 
tian-a useful and honest man. In the hands of such men Our govern- 
ment is secure-our UNION safe. 



GEOKGE WYTHE. 

To be born rich is oftener a misfortbne than a blessing. Action is 
designed by the great Creator-noble and god-like action. Riches are 
prone to produce inertness. With the young, who are left to the bent 
of their own inclinations either by the erroneous indulgence of parents 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 407 

or for the want of parents or an efficient and kind guardian, an abun- 
dance of riches often proves their ruin. A thousand emissaries are 
abroad to lead them into the purlieus of vice and hurry on their sure 
destruction. Money attracts attention in all circles. Although the 
love of it is the root of all evil-still it commands undue attention. 
Thousands live who will not earn, but must have it. These sharks are 
ever on the lookout for young men of fortune and too often succeed in 
plucking every feather from their newly fledged wings.. The poor 
young man is in less danger. He has no attractions for fashionable 
blacklegs-the vilest things that creep on earth. Necessity impels him 
to action. He labors industriously-studies economy-saves his earnings 
and eventually becomes rich. Many of the most wealthy men of our 
country commenced without a dollar. Few who are left large fortunes 
retain them and but few who have lost them in profligacy have moral 
courage to break the fetters of vice, spurn the demons who have robbed 
them, return to the paths of rectitude, redeem a lost fortune-a shattered 
reputation and again stand up like men. We wonder and admire to 
behold such instances-rare to be sure-but they have occurred. 

This was fully exemplified by George Wythe born in Elizabeth City, 
Virginia, in 1728. His father was a wealthy planter-his mother a 
woman of unusual talents, learning and worth. To her this son was 
indebted for his education and early impressions of the correct and 
noble principles that actuated him after he assumed the dignity of a 
man. From her he acquired the Greek and Latin languages and gene- 
ral science. Unfortunately for him both his parents were snatched 
away by death nearly at the same time, leaving him a buoyant youth 
without a hand to guide or a voice to warn him against the allurements 
of vain pleasure or the seductions of ruinous vice. 

His father left him a fortune which was sufficient to have made a 
prudent man in easy circumstances for life. Like too many only sons, 
he had been put to no business. He was a stranger to labor and had 
no inclination to make its acquaintance. He was soon led away by 
idle company, became dissipated and pursued the road to ruin until he 
was thirty years of age, neglecting study and business and spending 
all his substance. 

Like the prodigal he then came to himself-returned to the paths ol 
virtue, studied the profession of law, was admitted to the Bar and be- 
came one of its brightest ornaments. During the remainder of his life 
he walked in the ways of wisdom most scrupulously and proved to his 
friends and the world that a young man may be led astray by the 
prowling wolves of vice-be torn and lacerated by the demon robbers 



408 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

that are permitted to prey upon the community 'by the official guardians 
of our cities and towns and yet recover from his wounds, redeem his 
character and become a virtuous and useful member of society. God 
grant that this example may influence thousands to go and do like- 
wise. 

No man ever dignified his profession more than D'.. Wythe. He 
was rigidly honest and would not proceed in a en ase until convinced 
justice required his services. If drawn into a cause by misrepresenta- 
tion that was tinctured with wrong, he would abandon it the moment 
ne discovered that fact and return the fee. His virtuous habits, ex- 
treme fidelity, legal acquirements and untiring industry, gained for him 
the esteem and confidence of his friends and the people at large. He 
was a member of the House of Burgesses for a long time and under the 
new government was appointed Chancellor of the State, which office 
he filled with great ability to the time of his death. He was highly 
esteemed as a legislator for integrity, talent and independence. In poli- 
tics he was guided by his own matured judgment irrespective of party. 
On the 14th of November 1764 he was appointed on a committee to 
prepare a petition to the king, a memorial to the House of Lords and 
a remonstrance to the House of Commons on the impropriety and injus- 
tice of the proposed Stamp Act. 

The remonstrance was from the able pen of Mr. Wythe and was 
drawn in language so bold and strong that it alarmed many of his col- 
leagues and underwent a modification to divest it of what they deemed 
a tincture of treason. He understood and properly appreciated the true 
dignity of man and did not live to quail at the tyranny of a haughty 
monarch or corrupt ministry. He was a prominent member of the 
House of Burgesses in 1768, when Virginia blood and Virginia patri- 
otism were roused and passed the memorable resolutions asserting their 
exclusive right to levy their own taxes-accused ministers and Parlia- 
ment of violating the British Constitution and denied the right of the 
crown to transport and try persons in England for crimes committed 
in America. In passing these resolutions parliamentary rules were dis- 
pensed with, the members anticipating the proroguing power of the 
governor, who, on learning their tenor, immediately dissolved the 
House. He was half an hour too late-they had passed their final read- 
ing-were entered upon the records and beyond his power to veto or 
expunge. This action of the governor was unfavorable to the interests 
of the crown-the people took the helm as they should do now and re- 
turned all the old patriotic members to the next session with severa' 
new ones of the " same sort." 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 409 

Among the new members was Thomas Jefferson who had been a 
law student under Mr. Wythe-was charged with the same rebel prin- 
ciples and was a bold and fearless champion of Liberty and equal 
rights. The atmosphere was becoming rather too highly charged with 
patriotic fire to be comfortably inhaled by the governor and the bipeds 
of the crown. It was rather too caloric for the free respiration of mo- 
narchical lungs. The people, awakened to their true position-saw the 
path of duty and pursued it. With an enlightened mass there is 
safety. 

From that time Mr. Wythe continued to oppose parliamentary and 
ministerial oppression and boldly vindicated the rights of his injured 
country. At the commencement of the revolutionary movements he 
joined a volunteer corps, determined to vindicate in the field the prin- 
ciples he had advocated in the legislative hall. He lived up to the 
motto-" we do what we say." 

In August 1775 he was elected a member of Congress and took a 
high rank in that body-then the observed of all observers. When the 
proposition of Independence was made it met his warm approbation. 
He was to the hilt in this measure. When the day arrived for final 
action he put his name to that bold instrument that he knew must prove 
the Chart of Liberty or the death warrant of the signers. In all the 
majesty of conscious dignity these master spirits of freedom shook off 
the corroding rust of kingly power, planted deep the tree of Liberty 
and proved to a gazing world that a nation can be born in a day and 
live. Language can never portray nor imagination fully conceive the 
enthusiastic joy that marked the promulgation of the Declaration of In- 
dependence among the people. The bells sounded a requiem and tolled 
the funeral knell of monarchy-illuminations and roaring artillery con- 
veyed the glad news from the central arch of the Union to its remotest 
bounds-the replenished torch of Liberty rose, a pillar of fire to guide 
the patriots in their onward march-on the wings of thanksgiving and 
praise the happy tidings were carried to the throne of Heaven, received 
the sanction of Jehovah's high authority and were recorded in the book 
of everlasting fame by the hand of justice with an angel's pen. 

In November 1776 Messrs. Wythe, Pendleton and Jefferson were 
appointed to revise the laws of Virginia. Although much other busi- 
ness devolved upon them they prepared and reported one hundred and 
iwenty-six bills by the 18ih of the ensuing June. The new code com- 
menced the revision at the time of the revolution in England and 
brought it down to and in accordamce with the new government. 
In 1777 Mr. Wythe was chosen Speaker of the House of Delegales- 
52 



410 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the same year a Judge of the High Court of Chancery and subsequently 
Chancellor. A naore impartial judge never graced the Bench. No- 
thing could induce him to swerve from strict justice. He was a pro- 
found jurist and a lucid expounder of the law. He graced the law pro- ' 
fessorship in the College of William and Mary until other duties com- 
pelled him to resign. He was a member of the legislature when Vir- 
ginia sanctioned the Federal Constitution. 

He put in full practice his principles of Liberty by the emancipation 
of his slaves and providing them with the means of support. He tried 
the experiment of education upon one so far as to teach him Latin and 
Greek when he suddenly died. He was extremely anxious to see a 
development of African intellect that its calibre might be more clearly 
known. 

Chancellor Wythe died suddenly on the 8th of June 1806, believed 
to be from the effects of poison administered by George Wythe Sweny, 
a grandson of his sister, for the purpose of arriving immediately at the 
enjoyment of a part of his estate which was fortunately prevented by a 
codicil made just before his decease. Although there was not proof to 
convict the ungrateful demon, circumstances were so strong against 
him that the public verdict stamped upon him the damning stigma- 
murderer* 

In his private character Chancellor Wythe was amiable, modest, cha- 
ritable and humane. He sought to improve the society in which he 
moved and used great exertions to guard young men against the pur- 
lieus of vice. He was industrious, temperate, frugal but liberal and 
proverbial for charity and a practical Christian. 

Jefferson, in delineating the character of his law instructor-remarks- 
" No man ever left behind him a character more venerated than George 
Wythe. His virtue was of the purest kind-his integrity inflexible and 
his justice exact. Of warm patriotism and devoted as he was to Li- 
berty and the natural and equal rights of men he might be truly called 
the Cato of this country without the avarice of a Roman, for a more 
disinterested person never lived. Such was George Wythe-the honor 
of his own and a model for future times." 

ROBERT YATES. 

Time is wasted by many persons as if it had no limit and they were 
to live for ever. But few place a proper value upon it-but a small 
portion oi these reduce it to an advantageous system. If every person 

* After publishing my first edition, I was credibly informed the poison was only intended for two emanci- 
pated slaves, who were legatees in the will, both of whom died a few hours before their beneiactor. Mort»» 
cation, from being co-heir with them, is the cause assigned for the murder.— Author. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 411 

realized that " time is money" and ends in eternity-it would be used 
very differently by many-not by all. The instances are very rare 
where a man of fifty can look back upon his career and not see that 
he has squandered a large portion of his time in senseless vacuity or 
improper appropriation. If he then realizes, its full worth he will gaze 
upon the past with keen regret and vainly wish he could live his life 
over again-a wish that the illustrious Washington said he did not in- 
dulge. If no one of the human family wasted or improperly used time, 
earth would be a Paradise-Pandemonium a fable. If all would assign 
a due portion of time for each class of incumbent duties-rigidly adhere 
to the one and promptly perform the others-a harmony in action and 
an amount of labor would be produced that would effect a change in 
the social, religious and business departments that would astonish the 
most visionary theorist of system and order. Profligacy of time too 
often commences in childhood-increases in youth and is made bankrupt 
in manhood. Let all feel more deeply the importance of a judicious 
arrangement and wise improvement of precious time. Its whirling 
wheels are rolling us on rapidly to " that country from whose bourne 
no traveller i-eturns." It is a boon from our Creator-to Him we must 
render an account of every hour from the moment our reason assumed 
and presided over its empire. Let all be prepared to render that ac- 
count with a joy that shall increase in ecstacy through the ceaseless 

ages of ETERNITY. 

In perusing this history of the Sages and Heroes of the American 
Revolution the reader has learned that all of them were industrious- 
several of them bright models of perfect system in the distribution of 
their time. No one was more diligent in the performance of his duties 
than Robert Yates who was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y. on 
the 27th day of January 1738. The early developments of his mind 
were of unusual solidity and free from that frivolity that too often re- 
tards the course of boys in their preparation for manhood. Let my 
young readers remember this and become men in conduct during your 
minority. You will then be prepared to appear upon the stage of action 
with credit to yourselves and usefulness to our common country. Im- 
prove your minds by storing them with useful knowledge. If the tree 
has no blossoms in spring we gather no fruit in autumn. If your youth 
is barren of healthful culture-if the vain allurements-the trifling amuse- 
ments of this deceiving world exclude from your immortal minds salu- 
tary improvement-your mental powers may darken with age and rush 
you into the murky waters of lasting disgrace-perhaps ruin you for 
ever. Soon the mighty concerns of our country will devolve on you. 



412 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

In your hands will be placed the destiny of our nation. Some of you 
must fill up the swelling ranks of the professions-the arena of politics 
and posts of honor and profit. Let these reflections raise you above 
the trifles that amuse without benefitting you. Learn to be men when 
you are boys-you may then be intellectual giants when you reach 
manhood. Remember your Creator-study the Bible and let it be 
deeply impressed upon your minds that to become eminently great you 
must be truly good. 

Robert Yates commenced his classical education in the city of New 
York and completed it at an early age. He then read law with William 
Livmgston of that city and became an ornament to the profession. He 
located at the city of Albany-obtained a lucrative practice-the high 
esteem of his numerous acquaintances and a title of honor too rare and 
priceless-" the honest lawyer." An additional proof of his good sense 
was exhibited by his leading to the hymeneal altar the amiable Miss 
Jane Van Ness who proved worthy of the noble man of her judicious 
choice. They sailed buoyantly, prosperously and joyfully on the flood 
tide of domestic felicity until the angry elements of an oppressed people 
were concentrated by British oppression and raised the rough storm of 
the Revolution. Mr. Yates was a whig of the first water-bold, fearless, 
calm, prudent and firm as the iron mountain of Missouri, No one better 
understood the relative condition of the two countries-the powers and 
rights of each and the law of nations. He was conversant with the 
liberal principles of Magna Charta as granted by King John and as im- 
proved and confirmed by King Henry III. in the ninth year of his reign. 
He was familiar with the provisions of the British Constitution-the Char- 
ters of the Colonies and the various declaratory Acts of Parliament 
defining the rights of the American people which had grown sacred by 
long and peaceful enjoyment. To see them now rudely trampled upon 
by a venal ministry roused the patriotism and indignation of Mr. Yates. 
He wrote and published several pungent essays exposing the usurpations 
of the British Cabinet. He took an active part in the public meetings 
of the people that prepared them to strike for liberty. At that time he 
ivas a member of the corporation of Albany and attorney for that 
board. He was a leading member of the Committee of Safety when it 
was virtually the supreme government of the empire state. The toriei 
greatly feared and most sincerely hated this bold champion of equal 
rights. His ardent zeal was tempered with a discreet moderation and 
equal justice to all. He never passed the orbit of legitimate power nor 
hesitated in performing his whole duty regardless of consequences. He 
was an active member of the first Provincial Congress of New York- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 413 

cliairman of the committee to organize the miHtary and did much 
towards producing a concert of action against the invading enemy. In 
1777 he was an efficient member of the Convention that framed the first 
constitution of his native state. Under that constitution he was appointed 
a judge of the Supreme Court. His acceptance raised him to the zenith 
of rebelUon in view of the creatures of the crown. He was menaced by 
them and threatened by the tories. He promptly assumed the duties of 
his responsible station and boldly performed them. Stern justice, 
tempered with charity, directed his course. Officially he favored no 
friend-persecuted no enemy. His courts were held in the midst of bitter 
foes. No dangers could intimidate-no threats deter him from the faithful 
discharge of all the duties devolving upon him. When tories were 
arraigned before the court the overcharged zeal of jurors sometimes 
paralyzed their sense of right. On one occasion he sent out a jury of 
this kind four times with a direction to change their verdict of " guilty" 
which was not warranted by the testimony. The legislature talked 
loudly of calling him to an account for this act but on a sober second 
thought wisely determined to permit the old Roman to pursue the even 
tenor of his ways. His salary was far below the income of his practice 
at the Bar. To advance the interests of his country was above all 
pecuniary considerations. His salary for one year was paid in paper 
apology for money which depreciated so much in a few days that it 
took the whole to buy a pound of tea. This did not disturb his equanimity 
or abate his zeal in the glorious cause of Independence. 

After the close of the Revolution Messrs. Robert Yates, Alexander 
Hamilton and Chancellor Livingston were chosen to represent the state 
of New York in the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution. 
His services on that important occasion were highly appreciated. He 
was opposed to some features of that sacred instrument but voted for its 
adoption when it came before the Convention of his own state. When 
it became the supreme law of the land he was one of its firmest supporters. 
In his first charge to the grand jury after it had been legally sanctioned 
he used the following language which I implore the reader to ponder 
well and let it come home with all the force of living truth proclaimed 
from the tomb of a departed patriot. 

^' The proposed form of government for the Union has at length re- 
ceived the sanction of so many of the States as to make it the supreme 
law of the land. It is not therefore any longer a question whether or 
not its provisions are such as they ought to be in all their diflerent 
branches. We, as good citizens, are bound implicitly to obey them. 
The united wisdom of America has sanctioned and confirmed the act 



414 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

and it would be but little short of treason against the Republic to hesi- 
tate in our obedience and respect to the Constitution of the United 
States of America. Let me, therefore, exhort you gentlemen-not only 
in your capacity as grand jurors but in your more durable and equally 
respectable character as citizens-to preserve inviolate this Charter of 
our national Rights and safety-a Charter second only in dignity and 
importance to the Declaration of our Independence. We have escaped, 
it is true, by the blessing of divine Providence, from the tyranny of a 
foreign foe-but let us now be equally watchful in guarding against 
worse and far more dangerous enemies— domestic broils and intestine di- 
visions." 

Would to God this patriotic language of Judge Yates could be writ- 
ten in flaming capitals of living fire raised in bold relievo on plates of 
burnished gold and suspended in every court room, legislative hall, 
church, school-house and public place in our land. It should be circulated 
by every press in our country and committed to memory by every child. 

Judge Yates was one of the Commissioners to settle the boundary 
question between New York and the States of Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut. He was subsequently employed to prosecute claims of his 
native State against Vermont. In 1790 he was appointed Chief Justice 
of the Empire State and presided with great dignity until the 27th of 
January 1798 when his age reached the constitutional limit and closed 
his long, useful, arduous and brilliant judicial career. He had been an 
ornament to the Bench for twenty-one years. Not a stain had soiled 
his official ermine. He then resumed the practice of law and was ap- 
pointed by the legislature of his state to settle disputed titles in the 
military tract which office he held until the Act creating it expired. 

In comparative poverty and JDeace he glided down the stream of 
time until the 9th day of September 1801 when an arrow from the 
quiver of death pierced the shining mark-released his noble soul from 
its earthly prison and returned it to its original home of enduring bliss. 
He had exemplified primitive Christianity-his last hours were bright 
with hope, strong in faith, calm, peaceful and happy. He was greatly 
beloved in life-deeply mourned in death. In the performance of all the 
multiform duties of pubJic and' private life he stood approved by his 
friends, his country, his conscience and his God. He was an admired 
model of system in all the concerns of life-arranged his time judiciously, 
improved it wisely and earned a lofty fame that will endure while vir- 
tue is esteemed and patriotism lives. In the hands of such men our 
Republic will continue to rise in majesty sublime until its burning light 
shall illuminate the world and become too brilliant for the vision of all 
those who do not love and support our UNION. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 416 



PART II. 



ALLEN ETHAN was a native of Salisbury, Connecticut and re- 
moved to Vermont vt^hen a boy. He was a man of strong mental pow- 
ers which were improved by a close observation of men and things-not 
by a school education. He took an active part in public affairs from 
an early age to the time of his death. He was emphatically a " Rough 
and Ready." When the revolutionary storm commenced he was the 
kind of man to brave its fury. He was then a militia colonel and at 
once rallied a brave band of Green Mountain boys around him. Soon 
after the battle of Lexington he received orders from the general As- 
sembly of Connecticut to make a descent on Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point. About that time Arnold had been charged by the Massachusetts 
Committee to raise 400 men for the same purpose. On his arrival he 
found Col. Allen prepared to march with 300 men and became his aid 
in the expedition. On the 9th of May 1775 they arrived at the lake 
opposite Ticonderoga and with great difficulty landed 83 men near the 
garrison during the night. As day was approaching the Colonel deter- 
mined on an immediate attack. He led his Spartan band to the wicket 
gate where a sentinel snapped his gun at the bold intruders and fled 
into the fort closely followed by the Green Mountain boys who rushed 
in and formed on the parade ground facing the two barracks and made 
the welkin ring with three loud huzzas. One of the guard who begged 
for quarter pointed out the apartment of the officers. Col. Allen entered 
with his sword drawn and demanded the surrender of the fort from the 
astonished Capt. De la Place who was in command. He jumped out 
of bed, rubbed his eyes and asked by whose authority the demand was 
made. The Colonel quickly replied-" / demand it in the name of the 
great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." The summons was 
promptly obeyed. Crown Point surrendered the same day and shortly 
after, the only British sloop of war, which gave Col. Allen the mastery 
of Lake Champlain. In the fall of that year Col. Brown pledged him- 
self to act in concert in an attack upon Montreal but failing to meet 
him Col. Allen was overwhelmed by numbers and taken prisoner, loaded 
with irons and treated with proverbial British cruelty-a mistaken policy 
on the part of the crown officers that did much towards rousing the 
Americans to resistance. He was sent to England with a strong pro- 
mise of a halter on his arrival. In 1776 he was returned to N. York 
and was not exchanged until the 6th of May 1778. Bad treatment had 
ruined his iron constitution. A base attempt was made to bribe him 
which he resented with the dignity of an honest freeman. He wrote a 
history of the cruelties, uniformly practised upon the American prison- 



416 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

ers. During his confinement in N. York he estimated that over 2000 
perished by hunger, cold and disease produced by the impurity of the 
prisons and prison ships. Col. Allen was highly esteemed as a stern 
patriot, a good citizen-an honest man. He died suddenly at his home 
in Colchester, Vermont, on the 13th of February 1789. 

ALLEN EBENEZER a brave subaltern officer who was witli 
Col. Allen at the capture of Ticonderoga. At the head of only 40 of 
his Spartan comrades he took the fortress on the hill Defiance without 
the loss of a man. At the brilliant affair near Bennington he headed 
the small division that was stationed behind a ledge of rocks and kept 
the enemy at bay until Gen. Stark could form his men to drive back 
the reinforcement that came up before he could properly dispose of the 
large number of prisoners he had taken. Mr. Allen closed his mortal 
career in 1805. 

ALLEN MOSES was born in Northampton, Mass. on the 14th of 
September 1748. He graduated at Princeton college-prepared for the 
ministry-became pastor of the Presbyterian church at Medway, 
Georgia-advocated the cause of equal rights in the pulpit and when 
mingling with the people. In 1778 the British under Gen. Provost 
made a descent upon Medway-laid in ashes the meeting house and 
most of the private dwellings. Mr. Allen was made chaplain of the 
Georgia brigade-repaired to Savannah-was there taken prisoner-sent 
on board a ship of war-was treated with great cruelty-attempted an 
escape by swimming to the shore and was drowned on the 8th of 
February 1779. 

ALEXANDER WILLIAM was born in the city of New York in 
1726. He was a Major General in the Continental army-fought 
bravely at the battle of Long Island on the 27th of August 1776 where 
he was taken prisoner. At the battle of Germantown his brigade was 
a part of the reserve. At the battle of Monmouth he commanded the 
left wing of the American troops and did himself great credit as a 
brave, discreet and accomplished officer. This noble veteran died at 
Albany, New York on the 15th of January 1783. 

ARMSTRONG JOHN was early enrolled with the list of heroes 
that periled life for Liberty. He was one of the brave officers who so 
nobly defended fort Moultrie against the desperate attack of Sir Peter 
Parker when he visited Charleston harbor on a belligerent pleasure 
excursion. He was raised to the rank of Brigadier General and dis- 
tinguished himself at the battle of Germantown and other places. 
After the Revolution he located in Pennsylvania and was elected to 
Congress from that state. He was in all respects a worthy man and 
took his final leave of his friends in 1795. 

BARRY JOHN was born in the county of Wexford, Ireland in 1745 
and came to Philadelphia, Pa. when he was but 15 years of age. 
Previous to the American Revolution he became a skilful mariner and 
rose to the rank of captain of a large merchant vessel. In February 
1776 Congress put him in command of the brig Lexington with 16 
guns with which he made several successful cruises. In 1777 the 
British attacked the little American Navy in the Delaware, then under 
the command of Commodore Barry and destroyed it at White Hall. 
He subsequently took charge of the Raleigh of 33 guns and was run 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 417 

DH shore in Penobscot Bay by the enemy and lost his ship. He was 
then transferred to a ship commissioned with letters of marque and 
reprisal and cruised among the West India Islands with success. On 
his return he was put in command of the Alliance frigate and left 
Boston in February 1781 for France with John Laurens, American 
minister to that kingdom. When returning he came in contact with 
the British ship Atlanta and brig Treposa on the 29th of May and 
captured them both after a severe engagement. In February 1782 he 
had what the British captain called a drawn battle with a|i English 
frigate of equal metal with his own but could out sail her. The enemy 
had 37 killed and 50 wounded-Com. Barry but 3 killed and 11 
wounded. Lord Howe offered him 20,000 guineas and command of 
the best frigate in the British navy if lie would turn traitor. This 
base proposition was repelled with contempt. When war seemed 
inevitable with France he was put in command of the frigate United 
States and cruised on the West India Station. He was noble in spirit, 
Juimane in discipline, discreet and fearless in battle, urbane in his man- 
ners, a splendid officer, a good citizen, a devoted Christian and true 
patriot. He died in Philadelphia on the 30th of September 1803. 

BEATTY WILLIAM born in Frederick county Maryland on the 
19th of June 1758. In 1776 he was commissioned an Ensign under 
Col. Griffith and served under Gen. Washington at New York. The 
next year he was commissioned Lieutenant and in a few months was 
raised to the rank of Captain and ultimately transferred to the renowned 
1st Maryland regiment of regulars under Col. Giniby wliich was 
ordered south and performed astonishing feats of noble daring at the 
battle of Cowpens and at Guilford court house on the 15th of March 
1781. He there engaged in single combat when the battle was raging 
with the fury of desperation and pierced his antagonist through the 
heart. That battle was emphatically fought hand to hand like those 
of Chippewa, Luiidy's lane and Bridgewater during our last war with 
mother Britain. At the battle near Camden South Carolina on the 
25th of the next April, Captain Beatfy tell mortally wounded as he 
was gallantly leading on his company to the charge. His loss was 
keenly felt. He was in all respects a noble man and an officer of 
great promise. In his report Gen. Greene remarked-" Among the killed 
is Capt. Beatty of the Maryland line one of the best of officers and an 
ornament to his profession." 

BIDDLE NICHOLAS was born in the city of Philadelphia, Penn- 
sylvania ni 1750. He became a seaman when but 14 years of age 
and gave great promise of becoming one of the noblest sons of the 
main. He and his shipmates were cast away on a barren island on 
the 2d day of January 1766 two remaining there with him for nearly 
two months in a state of extreme suffering. In 1773 he and Horatio- 
afterwards Lord Nelson, doffed their uniforms and shipped before the 
mast on board the Carcase bound on a voyage to the north pole and 
penetrated to 81° 39' north latitude. At the commencement of the 
American Rev )lution Capt. liiddle was put in command of the Camden 
galley on the Delaware. He was subsequently transferred to the 
Andrew Dorin of 14 guns with 130 men and attached to the infant 
fleet of Commodore Hopkins, destined for the Island of New Provi- 
53 



418 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

dencc. On arriving at the capes the small pox became general among 
the other crews-disease obliged the fleet to run into New London. 
After replenishing his numbers Capt. Biddle was ordered to cruise off 
the banks of Newfoundland where he was so successful in capturing 
British ships that when he arrived in the Delaware lie had but five 
of his original crew, the others having been put on board the prizes. 

On his return he was placed in command of the frigate Randolph of 
32 guns and sailed from Philadelphia in February 1777 with a crew 
partly made up of English seamen. Shortly after he got to sea he was 
overtaken by a gale which carried away nearly all the masts of his 
frigate, lie then steered for Charleston to repair. On the way mother 
Britain's children formed a plan to dispatch the Americans and take the 
ship although they were shipped upon their own urgent solicitation pro- 
fessing to sustain the cause of Independence. They were promptly put 
down and sullenly returned to duty. When thoroughly repaired he 
again put out to sea. On the third day he fell in with four English 
vessels, one the True Briton with 20 guns, all of which he captured. 
He took several other prizes and returned to Charleston. So higHy did 
the citizens of that city esteem Capt. Biddle as an officer and gentleman 
that they fitted out the ship General Moultrie-the brigs Fair American, 
Polly, and Notre Dame and placed on board the Randolph fifty men 
from the first regiment of the South Carolina infantry to act as marines- 
the whole of which were placed under command of Capt. Biddle. His 
ihtle fleet continued cruising and capturing prizes until the night of the 
7th of March 1778 when it came in contact with the English two 
decker ship Yarmouth of 64 guns, Capt. Vincent. At 8 P. M. a severe 
action commenced. Capt. Biddle was severely wounded in the thigh 
but continued on deck encouraging his brave tars. His fire was inces- 
sant-at least three broad sides to that of one from the enemy. In 20 
minutes after the commencement of the fight the Randolph blew up-the 
brave, accomplished, intrepid and gallant Biddle was launched into 
eternity. The Yarmouth was so badly crippled that she permitted the 
other vessels to depart unmolested, 

BLAND THEODORIC was born in Virginia in 1742. He was one 
of the early patriots and left a lucrative medical practice and took com- 
mand of a regiment of dragoons. In several actions he proved himself 
a brave and efficient officer. In 1779 he was put in command of the 
convention troops at Albemarle barracks. The next year he was elected 
to Congress. He was a member of the Virginia Legislature when the 
Federal Constitution was adopted and voted with the minority for the 
same reasons that induced Patrick Henry to oppose it. When adopted 
he was its firm adherent and was a member of the first Congress that 
convened under its broad mantle. He died on the 1st of June 1790 while 
a member of the House of Representatives, He was a good, discreet 
and honest man, 

BLOUNT THOMAS was born in North Carolina in 1760. He 
entered the Continental army at the age of 10 and served faithfully to the 
close of the war. He was subsequently made a major-general of the 
militia of his native state. He was a valued member of Congress for 
many years. He vas a man in the full sense of the word. He died on 
the 8th of February 1812 while at his post in the national legislature. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 419 

BOUDINOT ELIAS was ushered into life on the 2d day of May 
1740 in the city of Philadelphia. He read law with Richard Stockton, 
a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1776 Congress appointed 
him Commissary General of prisoners. The next year he was elected 
lo the Continental Congress and proved an able and efficient member. 
In 1782 he was elevated to the presidential chair of that bright galaxy of 
sages and had the high honor-the untold pleasure of signing the treaty 
of peace forced from mother Britain. In 1789 he was elected a member 
of Congress under the new constitution. In 1795 President Washington 
placed him at the head of the Mint at Philadelphia which office he filled 
for 12 years. He then retired from the public arena and settled at 
Bordentown, N. J. where he died on the 24th of October 1821. He 
was a noble, generous, talented and good man. He was the first Presi- 
dent of the American Bible Society and rr*ade liberal donations to that 
and several other benevolent institutions. 

BOWDOIN JAMES first breathed the vital air in Boston, Mass. in 
1727, He became a prominent public man at an early age-was a bold 
and sterling whig-opposed the usurpations of the crown-was one of the 
trio of the committee that bearded Gen. Gage, who ostracised him, Dex- 
ter and Winthrop from the General Assembly. Mr. Bowdoin was elected 
to the first General Congress in 1774 but was prevented from attending 
by ill health. He was President of the Convention that framed the first 
constitution of Massachusetts under the new order of things. In 1785-6 
he was Governor of his native state. He was an able statesman, a firm 
patriot, a devoted Christian-an honest man. He died at Boston on the 
6th of November 1790. 

BRADFORD WILLIAM was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. 
on the 14th of September 1755. In the spring of 1776 he was made 
brigade-major under Gen. Roberdeau who commanded the flying camp. 
He subsequently commanded a company of regulars under Col. Hamp- 
ton lor a short time and was then appointed Deputy Paymaster General 
and served two years when he left the military service-resumed the 
study of law-was admitted to the Bar in 1779 and in 1780 was made 
Attorney-General of the Keystone state. On the 22d of August 1791 
Gov. Mifflin raised him to the Bench of the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- 
vania which office he filled with great dignity until the 28th of January 
1794 when he was appointed Attorney-General of the United States, 
which office he held up to the time of his death. He performed all the 
duties of public and private life with great ability and strict fidelity. He 
stood approved by his country, his conscience and his God. He died at 
Philadelphia on the 23d of August 1795 in full hope of an unfading crown 
of glory. 

BROAD HEZEKIAH was born in Massachusetts in 1748. He was 
a man of strong common sense, great moral courage, stern integrity- 
discreet and consistent in all things. He early and firmly opposed British 
oppression. He was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1774 and 
a delegate of the Massachusetts Convention that framed the state consti- 
tution in 1779. He filled various public offices with honor to himself 
^.nd usefulness to his constituents. He died at Nantick, Mass. on the 17th 
of March 1824. 

BROOKS ELEAZER was first introduced to his friends in Con- 



420 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

cord, Mass. in 1726. He was a man of bright intellect and untiring 
perseverance. Without the advantages of a school he became a man 
Gi extensive information by studying books, men and things. In 1774 
iie was elected to the General Court and remained a distinguished mem- 
bex of the different branches of the Legislature for 27 years. He was 
an uncompromising enemy to all tyranny. At the battle of White 
Plains in 1776 he commanded a regiment with the skill of a veteran 
soldier. At the ba'tle of Still Water on the 7th of October 1777 his 
cool and determined courage was the subject of general remark. He 
lived esteemed and died lamented at Lincoln, Mass. on the 9th of No- 
vember 1806. 

BROOKS JOHN was first presented to the human family in Med- 
ford, Mass. in 1752. He was well educated-became a physician and 
commenced a successful practice in the town of Reading near his na- 
tive place. When the revolutionary storm commenced its fury he ex- 
changed his amputating knife for a sword. His noble bearing and skill 
in military tactics attracted the attention of Washington. He was soon 
promoted to the grade of lieutenant-colonel and rendered important ser- 
vice in the capture of Burgoyne. At the close of the war he resumed 
the practice of medicine at Medford. He became major-general of mi- 
litia and commanded the military that put down the insurrection in 
Massachusetts in 1786. During the last war with mother Britain he 
was the adjutant-general of Gov. Strong and succeeded him as chief 
magistrate of the State. He performed all the duties of public and pri- 
vate life with a well tempered zeal and unquestioned integrity. He 
died in Medford, Mass. in 1825. 

BROWN ANDREW was one of those brave spirits who seized 
their rusty muskets, powder horns and slugs and met the enemy on the 
heights of Lexington. At the noted battle of Bunker's and Breed's Hill 
he was among the last who left the entrenchments for want of " a little 
more grape." He removed to Philadelphia when his war-toils were 
over and conducted the Federal Gazette in Chestnut Street. On the 
27th of January 1797 his office and dwelling house were consumed by 
fire. His wife and three children perished in the flames. In an attempt 
to rescue them he was so severely injured that he expired on the 4th 
of February following. 

BROWN JOHN was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1736. 
He led the party that dared to resist the crown task-masters and de- 
stroyed the I3riti'sh sloop of war Gasper in Narraganset Bay in 1772. 
That was the second kick the Rhode Islanders gave the revolutionary 
ball. He was an enterprising merchant-at one time member of Con- 
gress-a friend to education and public improvements, a good citizen 
and worthy man. He died at Providence, R. I. in 1803. 

BROWN MOSES was welcomed to earth in 1741 at some place in 
New England-of the precise location we have no record. He was a 
bold mariner-never liked old England-became an active patriot-com- 
manded several privateers with great success and did good service for 
his country until he saw her free and independent with the white, red 
and blue floating in the breeze of Liberty. He lived respected and 
died regretted in 1803. 

BROWN ROBERT was born in Northampton County, Pa. in 1745. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 421 

He was among the first officers who entered the field against the in- 
vading foe and was taken prisoner at the unfortunate afiair on Long 
Island. Being a man of fine sense, pleasing manners and good address, 
he was not closely confined and was permitted to work at his trade of 
blacksmith and distributed his earnings among the destitute prisoners. 
He was subsequently raised to the rank of brigadier-general of militia 
in his native State-filled many civil stations-was member of Congress 
for sixteen years-voted for the war in 1812-lived to see mother Britain 
flogged a second time-spent his last years in the full sunshine of quies- 
cent peace-died at Allentown, Pa. in 1823 most deeply mourned by 
those who knew him best. 

BRYAN GEORGE was a native of Ireland-when he came into the 
world and made his final exit the record saith not. He came to Phila- 
delphia soon after he reached his majority and became a wholesale 
merchant and highly respected citizeu. He had imbibed no love for 
England during his youth-in manhood he sternly opposed her innova- 
tions upon the chartered rights of his adopted country. He was a 
member of the Continental Congress in 1775. He was subsequently 
made Vice President of Pennsylvania and in 1778 filled the presiden- 
tial chair of that State. He adorned every station he occupied with 
becoming dignity and usefulness. He was a Christian, gentleman and 
scholar. 

BURD BENJAMIN was born at Fort Littleton, Bedford County, 
Pa. in 1755 and was made a lieutenant in Col. Thompson's regiment of 
riflemen at the age of twenty. He was in several fights near Boston 
in 1775. He was at the disastrous battle of Long Island and behaved 
with great gallantry. In 1777 he was commissioned captain in the 4th 
Pennsylvania Regiment-was at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Bran- 
dy v/ine, Germantown and Monmouth and in every instance stood highly 
approved by his superior officers. At Germantown he acted as major. 
In 1779 he was with the detachment that dispersed the Indians up the 
Hudson and burnt their towns. After the war he located at Fort Lit- 
tleton-subsequently removed to Bedford where he lived highly esteemed 
for his past noble services, uniform virtue and correctness in the dis- 
charge of all the duties of a life well spent. He died at Bedford on the 
5th of October, 1823. 

BURR AARON commenced his remarkable life in Newark, N.J. in 
1756. As manhood dawned upon him his genius rose in all the bright- 
ness of the sun on a cloudless morning. He was hailed as a brilliant 
luminary to light up the pathway to the goal of Liberty. He was a 
powerful advocate in the cause of freedom and exemplified his precepts 
by feats of noble daring in the battle field. He was aid to the brave 
Putnam and rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. At the close of the 
Revolution he stood on a lofty eminence and coinmanded the adinira- 
tion of the populace. His towering genius was fast ascending to high 
meridian in refulgent glory. He was elected to the United States Se- 
nate where his giant intellect became more conspicuous-his thirst for 
power more prominent. He was next elected Vice President and made 
a desperate attempt to supplant Thomas Jefierson as President. He 
made an unsuccessful Calaline grasp at the presidential chair which 
blotted out his political sun for ever. Alexander Hamilton made some 



422 THE SAGES ANDHEROES 

prophetic remarks upon the prospective danger shadowed by his reach- 
ing demonstrations and uUerior designs. He planned and consummated 
the death of that illustrious statesman. The commingled clouds of wild 
ambition, consuming malice and fell revenge eclipsed the sunbeams of his 
genius. A blacker cloud spread its ebony mantle over these. The charge 
of TREASON veiled the bright morning of Aaron Burr in darkness im- 
penetrable and paralyzed his day-spring of usefulness. His great legal 
acumen and consummate shrewdness saved him from its technicality— 
not from the burning curse of a nation of freemen. To render this 
darkness more visible he was the Promethean vulture that devoured 
blooming innocence-the blighting sirocco that withered the bowers of 
domestic felicity. Like an isolated majestic oak with its green foliage 
seared by lightning fire-he stood alone for nearly half a century ex- 
posed to the scorching heat of bitter scorn-the chilling blasts of cold 
neglect-a fearful warning to those who wander from the path of wis- 
dom-the only path of safety. He died on Stateu I. 14th. Sept. 1S36. 

BUTLER RICHARD is first introduced by the record as a brave 
lieutenant-colonel in Morgan's rifle corps. For his correct deportment 
at all times and noble daring on various occasions at the south under 
La Fayette, he was raised to the rank of colonel. He was next in 
command under Gen. St. Clair in his unfortunate expedition against the 
western Indians in 1791. At the sanguinary and disastrous battle of 
the 4th of November of that year Col. Butler commanded the right wing 
of the army with the rank of general and repeatedly led his men to the 
charge and for a time seemed certain of victory. Bleeding from seve- 
ral wounds he retired for surgical aid and in a few moments was rushed 
upon by an Indian warrior who gave him a mortal wound with his to- 
mahawk. He immediately killed the savage with his pistol-they slum- 
bered in death together. 

BUTLER THOMAS was introduced into the great family of man 
in 1754. He was brother to Col. Richard Butler just mentioned. 
There were five brothers engaged in the Continental army. They ap- 
pear to have been natives of Pennsylvania. Thomas was a law student 
under James Wilson of Philadelphia at the commencement of the Revo- 
lution. In 1776 he exchanged the law otiice tor the camp and proved 
a brave and efficient officer. He had command of a company to the 
close of the Revolution and was in nearly every severe battle in the 
middle States. At Brandywine he received the thanks of Gen. Wash- 
ington on the field of battle through his aid Gen. Hamilton, for rallying 
a detachment of flying troops and giving the enemy a severe check. 
At the battle of Monmouth he received the thanks of Gen. Wayne for 
defending a defile while Col. Richard Butler removed his regiment from 
a perilous position. He had command of a battalion under Gen. St. 
Clair on the memorable 4th of Nov. 1791 and behaved with great 
coolness and intrepidity. Mounied on his horse he led his men to the 
charge after his leg was broken by a ball. His surviving brolher-Capt. 
Edward Butler, had great difficulty in bringing him from the field. In 
1794 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and put in com- 
mand of the 4th sub legion. He commanded at Pittsburgh and by his 
undaunted courage more than by the numerical force of his troops he 
prevented the whisky insurgents from taking possession of the garri 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 4'i1^ 

son. He was continued on the peace establishment-made several trea- 
ties with the Indians-was persecuted by jealous enemies-charged with 
misconduct-tried by a court martial-honorably acquitted and died the 
7lh of September 1805. 

CADWALADER THOMAS was ushered into this world in 1743 
in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. At the commencement of the struggle 
for Liberty he was in the front rank of the brave revolutionary generals 
and enjoyed the unlimited confidence of the illustrious Washington. 
At the beginning of the war he commanded a corps called the " Silk 
Stocking Company'-rather a problematical name for patriot soldiers 
as they were-for so perfect was this corps in military tactics that 
nearly all of its members were made commissioned officers. He was 
soon made a brigadier general and put in command of the Pennsylva- 
nia troops. During 1776-7 he was constantly on duty-participated in 
the battles of Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth- 
displaying great courage, skill and prudence on each occasion. He 
loved Washington better than his own life. When Gen. Conway slan- 
dered the commander-in-chief he was at once challeniged by Gen. Cad- 
vvalader and was dangerously wounded. Supposing he might nut sur- 
vive, he wrote to Washington acknowledging he had done him great 
injustice. Gen. Cadwalader was an ornament to the age in which he 
lived. In him the soldier, statesman, gentleman and scholar were all 
harmoniously blended. In public and private life he filled up the mea- 
sure of a good man and crowned the design of his creation with an 
imperishable fame. His career was a continued round of usefulness. 

CASWELL RICHARD is first introduced by the record in the ca- 
pacity of Governor of North Carolina previous to the Revolution. He 
was an esteemed member of the Bar and remarkable for his kindness 
to the poor. He was a staunch whig and member of the first general 
Congress in 1774. In 1776 he commanded a regiment and proved 
himself a brave and skilful ofiicer. With 1000 minute men he engaged 
Gen. McDonald with a force of 1.500-killed and wounded 70 of his 
men-took him prisoner with 1500 rifies. This victory gave a fresli 
impeius to the glorious cause of Independence in North Carolina. This 
bold patriot ultimately reached the rank of major-general of militia. 
He was President of the Convention that framed the first Constitution 
of his State and governor for four years under that Constitution. He 
was President of the Senate at the time of his death. His life wus> 
nobly spent, his usefulness extensive, his reputation unsullied, his deaih 
deeply lamented. He died at Fayetteville, N. C. on the 20th of No- 
vember 1789. 

CHAMPE JOHN was introduced on this whirling planet in I>.oudoun 
county, Virginia, in 1752. He was naturally a soldier. In 1776 he 
was appointed sergeant-major of Lee's legion of cavalry and gained a 
high reputation for bravery and noble daring. He was engaged in the 
hazardous enterprise of apparently deserting to the enemy at N. York 
for the purpose of capturing and returning Arnold to the Auiencan 
camp that the life of Andre might be saved. Arnold changed his (juar- 
ters on the very evening fixed for his abduction and thus saved himself 
and sacrificed one of the brightest ornaments of the British army. Had 
Sir Henry Clinton complied with the request of Washington and ex- 



424 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

changed Arnold for Andre, justice would have been vindicated-huma- 
nity honored and England relieved from supporting a base traitor and 
his present descendents. Champe went south with the enemy -returned 
to his corps the first opportunity and met with a warm reception from 
his old companions, Washington rewarded him liberally and dis- 
charged him from the service for fear he might fall into the hands of 
the British and be treated with a halter. He removed to Kentucky 
where he died in 1797. 

CHRYSTIE JAMES was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, 1750. 
At the age of 15 he came to Philadelphia and the next year received 
the commission of Lieutenant in the Continental army. He was soon 
put in command of a company and held the commission of Captain to 
the end of the war. He was one of Washington's favorites. No one 
better deserved his esteem. He was a brave soldier, a firm patriot, a 
good citizen, an honest man and a consistent Christian. The time of 
his death is not on the record. Lieutenant Colonel James Chrystie 
of the 15th regiment of U. S. Infantry, who fought so desperately at 
Queenston and other places during the last war with England, was his 
son and worthy of his noble sire. 

CLARK GEORGE ROGERS is first introduced to us as a colonel 
in the service of the state of Virginia and the pioneer warrior of the 
then far west. No man ever understood better the Indian character 
and mode of warfare and no man did as much hard service on the 
frontier as Col. Clark. He was the protecting father of all the early 
settlements in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and south western 
Pennsylvania. He became a terror to the red men. During the whole 
time of the Revolution he had command of the small forces on the 
western frontier and was commissioned a Brigadier General of the 
Continental army in 1781. In all respects Gen. Clark was well quali- 
fied to perform the hazardous duties that devolved upon him and did 
more than the acutest human sagacity dared anticipate. After a 
general peace took place with mother Britain and ultimately with her 
savage ally-the red men-Gen. Clark settled near Louisville, Kentucky 
to enjoy the fruits of his long and arduous toils. He was looked upon 
as the father of that broad section of country. Respected, beloved and 
honored-he glided down the stream of time until 1817 when his noble 
spirit went to its final rest. 

CLINTON CHARLES father of James and George, was born in 
Longford, Ireland in 1690. On the 20th of May 1729 he embarked 
for America and after a tedious passage with a ruffian captain who 
compelled the passengers to give him a large sum of money above the 
price of their passage, he landed at Cape Cod instead of Philadelphia 
according to agreement. Mr. Clinton ultimately located in Ulster 
County New York, then a dense wilderness filled with wild beasts and 
savages more wild than them. He became a prominent public man 
and opposed the first indications of British oppression. He diffused 
liberal principles among his neighbors and planted them deep in the 
minds of his sons who did honor to their noble sire. He lived long 
enough to see the lurid clouds that portended the Revolutionary storm- 
just long enough to prepare his brave sons and neighbors for the ap- 
proaching crisis. He was an honest man and a Christian. He died 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 425 

at his original residence in Ulster County on the 19th day of Novem- 
ber 1773. 

CLINTON GEORGE, a brother of James, born in Ulster county, 
New York, on the 26th of July 1739. They were sons of Col. Charles 
Clinton who was a native of Ireland. George was liberally educated, 
possessed a strong mind, great decision of character and highly charged 
with original-not modern demagogue patriotism. He was a member 
of the Congress of 1775-6. He was present and voted for the Decla- 
ration of Independence but being a Brigadier General of the Conti- 
nental army he was compelled to leave before that sacred instrument 
was prepared for signatnres-the reason why his name is not enrolled 
with the other sages. In April 1777 he was elected the first Governor 
of the State of New York under the new order of things and filled that 
olfice 18 consecutive years when ill health compelled him to decline. 
He commanded at Forts Clinton and Montgomery on the Hudson 
when they were taken by an overwhelming force after a most des- 
perate resistance of several hours. The British force amounted to 
4000-the American to only 500 within a very imperfect fortification. 
The works were stormed in the night which enabled the governor and 
many of his officers and men to escape through the defiles in the 
mountains. In ISOl he was again elected Governor of New York 
and in 1805 Vice President of the United States in which office he 
continued until the time of his decease which occurred at the city of 
Washington on the 20th of April 1812 when Congress was in session.' 
A nation mourned the loss of one of her noblest sons, his friends one 
of their best companions, his kinsmen one of their dearest relatives. 
The closing sentence on his monument at Washington speaks volumes. 
'•While he lived, his virtue, wisdom and valor were the pride, the orna- 
ment and security of his country and when he died he left an illustrious 
example of a well spent life worthy of all imitation." 

CLINTON JAMES was first announced to his friends on a bright 
Thursday-the 9th of August 1736 in Ulster County, New York. He 
was by nature a military genius-by heritage a stern patriot. With an 
iron constitution and great physical powers he united an accomplished 
education, great military experience acquired in the French war of 
1756 and the subsequent border wars up to the time the American 
Revolution commenced. In 1775 he was appointed colonel by the 
Continental Congress and fought by the side of the brave Montgomery 
when he fell at Quebec. On the 9th of August 1776 Congress raised 
him to the rank of Brigadier General. He was at the desperate de- 
fence of Fort Clinton in October 1777 and was severely wounded and 
escaped after the enemy had stormed the imperfect works with 4000 
regulars against 500 soldiers mostly raw militia. He commanded a 
division under Gen. Sullivan in his expedition down the Susquehanna 
against the Indians and was one of his most reliable officers. He was 
raised to the rank of Major General and closed his brilliant military 
career at the siege of Yorktown. He subsequently filled several civil 
stations. In all the duties of public and private life he acquitted him- 
self nobly and with great usefulness to his country. He died on the 
22d of December 1822 near his native place. 

COMS rOCK ADAM was first introduced to his relatives in 1743, 
54 



i26 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

He was a soldier by nature-powerful in body, of undaunted courage, 
an enthusiastic patriot and good disciplinarian. He had the confidence 
of Washington who raised him to the rank of Colonel in the Conti- 
nental line. At the brilliant victory at Red Bank he was the officer 
of the day. Alternately with Gen. Smith of Maryland he commanded 
at the successful defence of Mud Fort. After the war he filled various 
civil stations and was many years a member of the New York Legis- 
lature. His long and arduous services are a matter of history-no 
higher Eulogy need be pronounced. He died at his home in Saratoga 
County, New York on the 10th of April 1819. 

COWARD JOSEPH was a native of Monmouth County, New 
Jersey. In view of this cognomen we may well exclaim-" What's in 
a name my lord ?" He was a Coward and yet one of the bravest of the 
Revolutionary captains. He was a great terror to the refugees alias 
lories. At the battle of Monmouth and several other places his un- 
daunted courage was conspicuous. When the British fleet lay off 
Sandy Hook, one of the supply ships ran too near the shore and stuck 
fast. With a few men Capt. Coward captured her in defiance of two 
barges manned with superiors numbers that were sent^to the rescue. 
At the close of the war he returned to his farm-became the esteemed 
citizen and fully exemplified the noble attributes of an honest man. 

CROGHAN WILLIAM was born in Ireland in 1752 and came to 
America at an early age. He had imbibed no love for mother Eng- 
" land in his native country-he detested her tyranny in America. At 
the commencement of the Revolution he pledged his life in favor of 
equal rights. In 1776 he received the commission of Captain in the 
Continental army and took command of a company of Infantry in the 
Virginia line. He was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown 
and Monmouth and received the high approbation of his superior 
officers. When the enemy invaded the south he was ordered to that 
field and raised to the rank of Major. At Charleston he was among 
the prisoners surrendered by Gen. Lincoln and was not exchanged 
during the war. He returned on parole and was a looker on at the 
siege of Yorktown but could wot participate in that glorious victory. 
In the spring of 1784 he located at Locust Grove, Jefferson County, 
Kentucky, where he lived respected until September 1822 when he 
departed to the spirit world deeply mourned by his numerous friends. 

CROPPER JOHN was born in Virginia in 1746. He was a captain 
in the 9th Virginia Regiment at the age of 19 which joined the northern 
army in December 1776. He was soon raised to the rank of major in 
the 5th Virginia Regiment which was literally cut to pieces at the battle 
of Brandywine. He retreated with those who could march and lay 
concealed in a thicket until after midnight and then proceeded to Ches- 
ter with a red handkerchief upon a ramrod for a flag. His friends were 
no less astonished than rejoiced to see him and his brave remnant of 
soldiers, supposing they had fallen or were prisoners. He was subse- 
quently raised to the rank of colonel and commanded the 11th Virginia 
Regiment until the 30th November 1782 when he returned to his long 
neglected home. When Commodore Whaley was attacked in the Che- 
sapeake Bay by five British barges and was deserted by the three that 
were wilh him at the commencement of the fight, Col. Cropper was in 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 427 

the barge with him. The Commodore and half of his men being killed 
the Colonel continued the action and for some minutes defended himself 
against two white men and a negro of liis own who was the means of 
saving his life. The moment he discovered it was liis young master 
he cried out-" Save 7f)y r/ou?2g 7iiaster .'''-tor which Col. Cropper "-a ve 
nim his freedom and settled him comfortably in Baltimore. The Colo- 
nel was ultimately promoted to the rank of general-lived highly esteemed 
at Bowrnan's Folly until the 15th of January 1812 when he departed in 
peace to the upper world leaving an untarnished reputation and a well- 
earned fame on the records of history. 

CUSHING THOMAS was ushered into life at Boston, Mass. in 
1725. He received a good education and commenced a useful public 
career soon after reaching his n)ajority. in 1763 he was chosen 
speaker of the General Court of Massachusetts and was continued for 
several years. He was with Adams, Hancock and the other bold 
Whigs in all the measures of that eventful period. He was a member 
of the Continental Congress in 1774-5 and continued active and unwa- 
vering in the cause of freedom until it was consummated. He tilled 
various legislative and judicial stations after the Revolution and pei- 
fnrmed all the duties of public and private life with ability and hdelity. 
He adorned the Christian character. He was lieutenant-governor when 
he died on the 28fh of February 1788. 

DALE RICHARD was born in Virginia in 1756. In 1776 he was 
made a midshipman on board the Lexmgion. The next year he was 
taken by the enemy and sent to the celebrated Mill Prison in England. 
At the end of a year he escaped to France and joined Paul Jones on 
board the American armed ship Bon Homme Richard and was made 
tirst lieutenant. He was in the desperate action with the British iri- 
gate Serapis. In 1794 he became a captain in the United Stales navy. 
In 1801 he was put in command of the American squadron that sailed 
to the Mediterranean and humbled the insolent Bashaw of Tripoli by 
battering down his castle. On his return in 1802 he located in Phila- 
delphia where he lived in peace and plenty until 1826 wiien he made 
his final bow to the king of terrors and launched upon the ocean of eter- 
nity. He earned an enduring reputation for bravery, skill and humane 
discipline as a naval officer. As a citizen he sustained an unblemished 
character. 

DARKE WILLIAM made his first appearance on earth in the 
county of Philadelphia, Pa. in 1736. His parents removed to Virginia 
when he was a child. He was with Braddock at his memorable defeat 
in 1755. At the commencement of the Revolution he entered the Con- 
tinental army with the commission of captain and served faithtully to 
the close of the war when he had reached the rank of major. In 1791 
he was put in command of a regiment under Gen. St. Ciair-lost a son 
in the disastrous battle of the 4th of November of that year and had 
several hair-breadth escapes himself. His latter years were peaceful 
and happy. He died at his seat in Jelierson County, Virginia, on the 
26th of Nov. 1801. He left an unsullied reputation. 

DAVJE RICHARDSON WILLIAM came into the world under 
the auspices of the crown of Britain at Egremont, England, on the 
20th of June 1756. In 1763 his father brought him to North Carolina 



428 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

and left him with the Rev. William Richardson a maternal uncle, who 
adopted him as a son and gave him a liberal education. At the com- 
mencement of the Revolution he resolved to join the patriots in the de- 
fence of equal rights. He was soon put in command of a company of 
dragoons and annexed to the legion under Count Pulaski. In a few 
months Capt. Davie was promoted to brigade major of cavalry. When 
Gen. Lincoln attempted to dislodge Lieut. Col. Maitland at Stono, Maj. 
Davie was severely wounded and disabled for five months. After his 
recovery he raised a corps of one company of dragoons and two of 
mounted infantry and spent the last shilling of a large estate in furnish- 
ing equipments and supplies for the service. He participated in the 
trying scenes of the southern campaigns under Generals Gates, Greene 
and others, until the foe was conquered and Independence secured. No 
officer of his grade did more to promote the cause of Liberty. After 
the war he became an eminent lawyer. He was a member of the Con- 
vention that framed the Federal Constitution. Every station he occu- 
pied in public and private life he filled with dignity and integrity. He 
w^as major-general of militia-governor of his State and minister to 
France in 1799. On his return his amiable wife was ill and soon died. 
He then removed to South Carolina and died at Chestei in 1820. In 
life he exemplified all those high qualities that adorn the man and the 
Christian. He never united with any church because he considered 
manufactured creeds too dogmatical and sectarian lines drawn too 
closely for the growth of charity which he considered as broad as the 
human family— as diffusive as mountain air. 

DAVIDSON WILLIAM was first presented to his fond parents in 
Lancaster County, Pa. in 1746 and when but four years of age removed 
with his father to Rowan County, N. C. At an early age he enlisted under 
the star spangled banner and was presented with the commision of major 
in one of the first regiments raised in North Carolina. Under Gen. Nash 
he repaired to the main army then in New Jersey. In 1779 he returned 
south, colonel of his regiment. By calling a few days at his home he 
escaped being made prisoner at the surrender of Charleston. He was 
very efficient in raising troops and supplies in his own state. In an 
engagement at Colson's Mills he was severely wounded and disabled for 
five weeks. On the last day of January 1780 Gen. Greene detached him 
with 300 men to prevent the enemy from passing the Catawba river. 
His corps was too small to repel the overwhelming force of Lord Corn- 
wallis. He made a desperate defence and was instantly killed at his 
post. Col. Hall and several more of the British fell at the same time. 
In life Col. Davidson was greatly beloved and was an officer of great 
promise. His loss was keenly regretted and sincerely mourned. 

DICKINSON PHILEMON was ushered into blooming life at Dover, 
Del. on the 5th of April 1739. Previous to the Revolution he located 
on a farm near Trenton, N. J. where he soon became prominent in public 
affairs. As in duty hound he boldly opposed the arrogant assumptwns 
of mother Britain. He was a member of the Convention that formed 
the first constitution of his adopted slate. He was made Commander-in- 
chief of the militia of N. J. and was very active in promoting the glorious 
cause of Independence. When stationed at Somerset Court House in 
January 1777 with only 300 plough boys of the true blue, Lord Corn- 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 42? 

wallis sent a foraging party of 400 regulars to a mill on the opposite 
side of Millstone river. Gen. Dickinson and his men forded the cold 
river which was up to their hips and rushed upon the enemy with such 
impetuosity that the red coats ran for dear life leaving their field pieces, 
nearly 50 wagons and over 100 English draft horses with a considerable 
number of cattle and sheep. So rapid was the flight that but 10 prisoners 
were taken. A number of killed and wounded were carried away in 
light wagons. Gen. Washington reported the brave act to Congress. 
Gen. Di(;kinson possessed great energy of character. When Red Bank 
was in jeopardy the Governor refused to order out the militia because 
his time had just expired and the election had passed through his own 
default. The General assumed the responsibility and brought them into 
the field in good time. He rendered essential service at the battle of 
Monmouth. He performed all the duties of life with promptness and 
fidelity. He was a member of the Senate of the U. S. He died at his 
residence in February 1809. 

DRAYTON WILLIAM HENRY commenced his infantile career at 
some place in South Carolina in 1742-atwhat point the record saith 
not. He was educated in England but did not fall in love with the prin- 
ciples of monarchy. He was among the first, boldest, ablest and most 
energetic patriots of his native state. He did much with his pen to open 
the minds of the people to a sense of their true condition politically. 
In 1774 he addressed a pamphlet to the Continental Congress under the 
title of " Freemen" which raised him to a prominent position among the 
patriots. It contained a bill of American Rights which was substantially 
adopted by that Congress. In 1775 he was President of the Provincial 
Congress and issued the first official order to oppose the enemy by force 
of arms. It was addressed to Col. William Moultrie directing him to 
'* oppose the passage of any British naval armament that may attempt to 
pass Fort Johnson." This marked his boldness and his zeal. He passed 
through several judicial offices up to Chief Justice of the state. In April 
1776 he used this remarkable language in his charge to the grand jury- 
remarkable in point of time and the then existing circumstances of the 
Colonies. " The Almighty created America to be independent of Britain. 
Let us beware of the impiety of being backward to act as instruments 
in the Almighty hand now extended to accomplish his purpose." So 
long as South Carolina can produce such men she will not secede from 
the UNION but leave the fanatics of the north to blow ofl' their harmless 
gas in their political deploys at home. In 1778-9 Mr. Drayton was a 
member of the Continental Congress and died at his post in Philadelphia 
in September 1779. He was cut down in the prime of life and in the 
midst of a bright career of usefulness. He had earned an imperishable 
fame and stood approved by his country-his conscience and his God. 

DYER ELIPHALET commenced his first stage of human life at 
Windham, Conn, on the 28th of September 1721. He was liberally 
educated and became a sound lawyer. He took command of a Con- 
necticut regiment in 1755 and served ungrateful mother Britain faithfully 
during most of the French war. In 1763 he went to England on business 
and there became thoroughly acquainted with the base designs of the 
ministry upon the American Colonies. On his return he was prepared to 
warn the people of approaching danger. He was an ardent whig-a 



430 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

fearless opposer of tyranny. He was a member of the Congress of 1766- 
74. He was Chief Justice of his state for many years and retired from 
public life in 1793. He adorned the prominent virtues that dignify a 
man and make him useful in life-happy in death. He closed his earthly 
pilgrimage in 1807, 

ELLSWORTH OLIVER was born at Windsor, Conn, on the 29th 
of April 1745. He graduated at Princeton College, N.J. and became an 
eminent member of the Bar. He was a firm advocate of chartered 
rights-a stern opposer of British wrongs. He used his noblest exertions 
to induce the people to strilie for liberty. In 1777 he was elected to the 
Continental Congress. His commanding talents, stern integrity, power- 
ful eloquence, keen perception, conclusive logic, lucid demonstrations-all 
combined to render him an efficient and highly appreciated member. 
He was a useful delegate of the Convention that framed the Federal 
Constitution. In 1789 he was elected to the U. S. Senate-in 1796 
appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States-in 
1799 Envoy Extraordinary to France and dignified each of these high 
stations. Owing to ill health he resigned his seat at the head of the 
Supreme Bench in 1800. Several high offices were subsequently ten- 
dered to him which he respectfully declined. His whole life was 
chastened with a republican simplicity and primitive purity seldom found 
among those in high life at the present ominous era. All admire his 
brilliant examples-too few will imitate them. Judge Ellsworth slumbered 
in death on the 26th Nov. 1807. 

FORREST URIAH was ushered into life in the county of St. Mary, 
Md. in 1756. In his youth he was commissioned a lieutenant in one 
of the Maryland regiments and soon gained the reputation of a brave 
and skilful officer. He rose rapidly to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 
He acted a brilliant part in the battle of Germantown where he lost a 
leg which closed his active military career. A man of strong intellect 
improved by a good store of useful knowledge-he had a bright career 
before him. He was a man of unbounded popularity and influence- 
filled various public stations in his native State-was a member of the 
Continental Congress-of the Legislature of Maryland and a member 
of Congress under the Federal Constitution. He was for many years 
major-general of the Maryland militia. In all his public stations he ac- 
quitted himself nobly-in private life he had the esteem of a large con- 
course of friends. The time of his final exit is not upon the record. 

GADSDEN CHRISTOPHER was born in South Carolina in 1724. 
He was the originator of the Liberty tree in America. To cut loose 
from mother Britain was a cherished project in his penetrating mind 
long before the Revolution. He did not join in the general joy caused 
by the repeal of the Stamp Act. He looked upon it like the transient 
calm in a storm that often precedes the increased fury of the elements. 
As early as 1762 he frequently said that nothing but open resistance 
would ever obtain justice from Great Britain. Upon these matured 
conclusions he continued to act until his long nursed vision became a 
happy reality and was eclipsed by the more refulgent glories of the De- 
claration of Independence. He was a member of the Congress con- 
vened at New York in 1765 and of the one at Philadelphia in 1774. 
Ho was also a general of militia. He was of great service in rousing 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 431 

the people to action. He was among the prisoners at the city of Charles- 
ton and then lieutenant-governor. Being ill he was paroled. On the 
27th of August 1780 he was dragged from his sick bed-put on board a 
prison ship and taken to the castle at St. Augustine in violation of the 
rights of prisoners on parole. He was there treated with great cruelty. 
A parole for the town was oiTered him at St. Augustine which he indig- 
nantly refused, saying he could place no dependence on any promise 
from a British officer. When Mnj. Andre was executed Gen. Gadsden 
was tauntingly admonished to prepare for death as he would be made 
the retaliatory sacrifice. He firmly replied-" I am always prepared to 
die for my country." A more inflexible patriot, a more noble spirit, a 
more ardent friend of Liberty never came from the clean hands of the 
Creator. Gen. Gadsden had the love, sympathy, confidence and admi- 
ration of every friend of the American cause. He died in 1805. 

GANSEVORT PETER entered upon the first stage of human life 
at Albany, N. Y. on the 16th of July 1749. His taste for military 
tactics was manifested in his boyhood. When he arrived at manhood 
he raised a coinpany of grenadiers that elicited the admiration of every 
beholder. Not one of its members was under six feet-Capt. Gansevort 
was six feet three. In point of discipline and martial appearance, this 
company had no superior. Being a firm Whig Capt. G. was ready to 
do good service for his country at the commencement of the Revolu- 
tion. He was appointed a major by Congress on the 19th of July 1795. 
On the 19th of the next month betook command of the second battalion 
of the New York forces and shared the perilous campaign with Gen. 
Montgomery which terminated the lite of the latter. Congress made 
liim lieutenant-colonel on the 19th of March 1776 and on the 21st of 
November of that year appointed him colonel of the 3d Regiment in the 
Continental army. His defence of Fort Stanwix in August 1777 was 
one of the most brilliant achievements of the American Revolution. It 
was besieged by a large body of British, Tories and Indians, com- 
manded by Col. St. Leger, who threatened summary vengeance unless 
an unconditional surrender was made. He soon found he had waked 
up the wrong passenger. He was promptly informed that Col. Ganse- 
vort never surrendered. The fort was defended until aid was sent 
when Col. St. Leger was conipelled to leave suddenly. For this brave 
act Congress recorded him a vote of thanks on the 4th of October of 
that year. In 1778 he was ordered to Albany-the next year accompa- 
nied Gen. Sullivan in his expedition against the Indians and with a 
chosen band of kindred spirits surprised and took the lower Mohawk 
castle and a large number of prisoners. In 1781 an arrangement was 
smuggled through Congress by improper influences that legislated this 
officer and several other gallant men out of the army to the great mor- 
tification of Washington. His native State made him a major-general 
of militia. After the war he held the office of sheriff' in Albany County- 
was commissioner to fortify the frontier posts-make treaties with the 
Indians-military agent of the Northern Department and in 1802 was 
commissioned a brigadier-general in the army of the United States 
which he held until the 2d of July 1812 when he was suddenly called 
from time to eternity at the moment our country needed just such men 
to conduct the second war of Independence. Gen. Gansevoort was 



432 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

endowed with an unusual share of the noble qualities that dignify a 
man in pubHc and priv^ate life all of which were purified by a life of 
practical piety. 

GIBSON JOHN was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on the 23d 
of May 1740. At the age of 18 he was an excellent classical scholar. 
He was in service under Gen, Forbes when Fort Dii Quesne [now 
Pittsburgh] was taken from the French and Indians. He settled there 
in 1763 for the purpose of trade. In a short time he was taken prisoner 
by the Indians and had his life saved by an old squaw who adopted 
him in the room of a lost son. He was detained several years-became 
familiar with the language of several tribes-with the general habits of 
red men which prepared him for future duties. On gaining his liberty 
he returned to Pittsburgh and served under Lord Dunmore in his ex- 
pedition against the Shawnee Towns which resulted in a treaty with 
the children of the forest. Gen. Gibson was the mediator and inter- 
preter. To him alone was the celebrated speech of the noble hearted 
Logan delivered in a copse a short distance from the council ground. 
By him it was communicated to the other Chiefs and to Lord Dunmore. 
At the commencement of the Revolution Gen. Gibson commanded a 
regiment in the regular army-served a short time in New York and 
New Jersey-was then transferred to his more appropriate place upon 
the frontiers to keep in check the Indians, After the war he filled 
various civil stations and was appointed Secretary of Indiana in 1800 
and filled the office until the state was formed. He then took up his 
residence with George Wallace, near Braddock's Field, who had mar- 
ried his daughter with whom he lived until the 10th of April 1S22, 
when his immortal spirit returned to Him who gave it. 

GIBSON GEORGE first made his appearance among his friends at 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1747. He was well educated-became a 
clerk to a merchant in Philadelphia-sailed to the West Indies several 
times as supercargo and finally went to his brother John at Pittsburgh. 
There he was employed in a trading voyage down the Ohio and was 
unfortunate. He changed his location and business several times up 
to the period of the Revolution when he raised a company of the border 
men who were not of polished manners but would fight like tigers. 
With them he joined the Virginia troops at Willianisburgh, Virginia. 
They were all sharp-shooters of which Lord Dunmore became con- 
vinced on the 25th of October 1775 when he attacked Hampton with 
a naval force and was driven back by this company with considerable 
loss. Capt. Gibson performed a perilous journey to New Orleans for 
the purpose of obtaining powder for the army from the Spanish which 
was a very delicate mission and was performed with skill and success. 
He returned through the wilderness and Indian tribes and travelled 
1800 miles on foot. Wonder how many public functionaries we have 
now who would perform a similar journey for the sake of fheir country- 
even if they should get their mileage, hot toddy, roast beef and ^8 
per day. On his return he was put in command of a Virgiania regi- 
ment and joined Lee's division of the Continental army at New York. 
This division covered the retreat of the main army and formed a junc- 
tion with it on the west bank of the Delaware. At the battle of 
Trenton Col. Gibson served under the direct command of Washington. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 435 

He continued with him and participated in the battles, privations and 
sufferings of that forlorn hope of American Freedom up to 1779 when 
the term of his regiment expired. He was then put in command of 
the prison station near York, Pennsylvania, where he contmued to the 
close of the war. In 1791 he commanded a regiment under Gen. St. 
Clair and acted a most gallant part in the unsuccessful sanguinary 
battle of the 4th of November of that year where his regiment was 
nearly annihilated and himself mortally wounded. He lingered in 
great pain at Fort Jefferson until the 11th of December following when 
death relieved him from his sufferings. While living he was the delight 
of every circle in which he nioved-noble, generous, warm hearted, 
persevering, brave, prudent, just and honest. His well earned fame is 
enduring as history. 

GREENE CHRISTOPHER commenced his earthly career at War- 
wick, Rhode Island in 1737. He received a good English education- 
became familiar with mathematics-was partial to military tactics and 
became a member of the " Kentish Guards" at an early age and was 
made their Lieutenant. In May 1775 he was commissioned a Major 
in the brigade under his kinsman Gen. Nathaniel Greene. At the 
attack on Quebec he conmianded a company in the division of Gen, 
Montgomery and headed the party that entered the town and was 
taken prisoner. Soon after he was exchanged he was put in com- 
mand of the regiment previously commanded by Gen. Varnum. In 
1777 Washington placed Fort Mercer, at Red Bank on the Delaware, 
in his charge with only 500 men. This was attacked soon after the 
battle of Brandy wine by Col. Donop on the Jersey side with 1200 
men. The enemy were repulsed with great slaughter-Col. Donop. 
Lieut. Col. Mingerode and several other officers were killed and 400 
of their soldiers killed and wounded. At the same time the British 
fleet and a battery on the Pemisylvania side opened a heavy fire on 
the contiguous Fort Mifflin, tlien called Mud Fort, and succeeded in 
having their favorite ship Augusta, of 64 guns, blown up with a part 
of her crew and the armed ship Merlin burned-glory enough for one 
day. Col. Greene received the thanks of Congress and was voted a 
splendid sword which was presented to his son Job in 1786. In 1781 
Col. Greene was posted in advance of the army near Croton river above 
New York and had quartered his men in several farmhouses. On the 
night of the 13th of May of that year he was suddenly attacked by a 
superior force of refugees alias tones. They broke into the room of the 
Colonel who despatched a number of them with his sword but was 
eventually overpowered and cut up in the most horrid manner. Maj. 
Flagg was also murdered with every soldier they could find. No 
officer fell during the Revolution more deeply lamented-no one of his 
grade better deserved the gratitude and esteem of his country. 

GRAEFF GEORGE was born in Lancaster, Pa. in 1755. He was a 
brave captain in the Continental army and did good service in the cause 
of Independence. He acted a gallant part at the battle on Long Island 
in 1776. Subsequent to the war he filled several civil offices with credit 
and usefulness. He was emphatically an honest man. He died at his 
native town on the 13th of November 1823. 

GRIFFIN CYRUS was one of the bold Virginians who early 
55 



434 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

advocated the glorious cause of Independence. He used every energy 
to rouse the people to a sense of impending danger. He ably filled various 
public stations-was a member of the Continental Congress and one of the 
Presidents of that august assemblage of Sages. He lived in the esteem 
of his country and associates until 1810 when he made his exit to the 
spirit world. 

GURNEY FRANCIS was first introduced on this whirling planet 
in Bucks County, Pa. in 1738. His military genius became early 
developed. He entered the service of mother Britain at the age of 18 
and braved the perils and hardships of the French war from its com- 
mencement to its close. His reputation for bold enterprise and noble 
daring he carved high on the temple of epic fame. At the capture of 
Cape Breton he acted a conspicuous part. At the taking of Guadaloupe 
his bravery was a subject of general remark. At the close of these 
arduous services he commenced a successful career in the mercantile 
business in the city of Philadelphia. There he was when the revolutionary 
storm loomed up. He looked upon the conduct of mother England as 
basely ungrateful. He snuffed the breeze of Liberty and struck for Free- 
dom. His noblest energies were roused to action. His large military 
experience and keen perception enabled him to point out those who were 
best calculated to make efficient officers. Mifflin, Cadwalader and others 
were first recommended by him. His zeal and activity in the cause of 
sutlering humanity were above all praise. Believing he could render 
more service out of thearmythaninit-hedeclined a commission until the 
25th of May 1775 when he took command of an infantry company of 
volunteers. The next year he entered the regular service with the com- 
mission of lieutenant-colonel in the 11th regiment of the Pennsylvania 
Line. He was in the battle of Iron Hill, Brandy wine and Germantown 
where he fully sustained his reputation for daring bravery. The wire- 
working system of promotions that was early introduced and injuriously 
pursued did not comport with his fine sense of military usage which 
caused him to resign. This did not abate his zeal in the cause-he con- 
tinued to advance the best interests of the patriots until he saw his country 
tree from bondage. After the Revolution he resum.ed his business at 
Philadelphia-filled many municipal and legislative stations-commanded 
a regiment in the army of 1794 which put down the whiskey insurgents- 
became brigadier-general of militia-performed every duty that devolved 
upon him in public and private life with ability and fidelity-was in all 
respects a man who commanded the confidence and esteem of all who 
made his acquaintance-adorned the Christian character and slumbered 
in death at his country seat near Philadelphia on the 25th of Mav 1815. 
GWINN WILLIAM was born in Ireland in 1748. In 1772 lie came 
to Pennsylvania and from that time to the close of his life manifested a 
deeo interest for the welfare of his adopted country. During the Revolu- 
tion he served in the stafT of Gen. Mifflin and was highly esteemed 
*v" his faithful performance of every duty and his uniform zeal in the 
cause of Independence. After the war he removed to Monkton Mills, 
Baltimore County, Md. where he lived highly respected until the 1st 
of October 1819 when he died deeply mourned by his numerous friends. 
HALE NATHAN entered upon his eventful career of life at Coventry, 
Conn, at what time we have no word. He was liberally educated-a 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 435 

young man of great promise and entered the army at the coirimence- 
ment of the Revolution in command of a company under Col. Knovvlton. 
He was at the battle of Long Island on the 27th of August 1776 and one 
of the 9000 who effected a retreat during the night to the great chagrin 
of the British who were encamped not over 600 yards from the Americans. 
Shortly after that disastrous affair Washington employed Capt. Hale to 
enter the English camp as a spy. Unfortunately he was detected and 
executed the next morning by order of Sir William Howe under circum- 
stances of fiendish barbarity that left a black spot upon the escutcheon 
of that proud officer that time or angel's tears can never expunge. He 
was denied a clergyman and a bible and the letters that he wrote to his 
widowed mother and relatives were destroyed. He died a brave and 
willing martyr to the cause of Liberty and lamented with his last breath 
that he had but one life to sacrifice for his country. How great the 
contrast between the course our country has pursued in memory of this 
young hero and that of England towards Andre. In point of talent and 
exalted character, Hale was equal to him. The one was engaged as a 
simple spy-the other was in league with a base traitor on a grand scale. 
The one has no extended notice in our history-the other has been lauded 
to the skies by the historians of both nations. Not a stone marks the 
resting place of Capt. Hale-a splendid monument has been erected by 
England sacred to the memory of Andre. The family of the one was 
neglected by our government-that of the other pensioned in a princely 
manner. ThQ fact that our nation was then just bursting into life is the 
only apology to be offered. 

HAMILTON ALEXANDER was born on the Island of Nevis in 
1757. His father was an Englishman, his mother an American and 
brought him to New York in 1773 *and placed him in Columbia college. 
His towering genius burst upon the world like a blazing meteor in the 
darkness of night. At the age of 17 he grasped the mighty concerns 

that were then rocking; England and America in the cradle of fearful 

I • i_ J 

commotion. He then wrote several essays upon the rights and wrongs 

of the two nations that were attributed to Mr. Jay. College walls could 
not keep him from the field of glory. At the age of 19 he commanded 
a company of artillery and was ever ready for a little more grape when 
it could be used to advantage. He soon attracted the attention of the 
penetrating Washington who appointed him one of his aids in 1777 with 
the rank of lieutenant-colonel. A selection was never more judiciously 
made-no commander could be better served. From that period to the 
close of the war our country was benefited by the combined wisdom and 
noblest efforts of two of the brightest constellations of genuius that have 
ever illuminated our world. In every battle where Washington com- 
manded Col. Hamilton was at his post regardless of danger. When the 
two destructive redoubts were carried at the siege of Yorktown facing a 
storm of iron hail he led the advanced corps under La Fayette. Not a 
gun was fired-the charge was like a rushing avalanche. The surrender 
of that garrison closed his Revolutionary services. His manly brow 
was decked with epic laurels that can never lose their amaranthine 
freshness whilst patriotic fire glows or history endures. 

In 1782 he was elected to Congress and shed fresh lustre on that au- 
gust body of sages. He grasped every subject with a gigantic mental 



436 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

power that filled the more experienced members with astonishment and 
admiration. He originated measures with a surprising facility and 
wisdom that were truly beneficial. He was a member of the Conven- 
tion that framed the Federal Constitution. He was in favor of what 
he considered a stronger government than the one formed-one that 
some would call ultra federal. At the final organization under the new 
Constitution he was placed at the head of the Treasury Department.- 
To the surprise and joy of all concerned he raised the credit of the na- 
tion rapidly from the lowest depths of depreciation to a lotty eminence 
of credit. At the end of six years he resigned and resumed the prac- 
tice of law in the city of New York. When the provisional army was 
raised in 1798 in anticipation of a war with France, he was placed 
next in command to Washington and proved one of the most efficient 
disciplinarians that ever graced the profession of arms. On the dis- 
banding of this army he again resumed his profession at the bar. In 
1804 he was challenged by Col. Burr and sacrificed his life on the bar- 
barous field of false honor contrary to his better judgment and finer 
feelings. He was mortally wounded on the 11th of July 1804 and died 
the next day. So opposed was he in principle to duelling that he fired 
his pistol in the air. He died deeply regretting the sad error, with full 
faith in the merits of his Saviour to wash every stain from his noble 
soul and present him with a crown of unfading glory. His sudden 
death and the manner his bright career was terminated spread a mantle 
of gloom over our country and the civilized world. His transcendent 
talents had attracted the admiring gaze of Europe and America. He 
was in all respects a remarkable man. His flashes of genius were like 
vivid lightnino- that startles-their force like crashing thunderbolts that 
shiver every obstacle in their way.' He mastered everything in the 
course of his business by talismanic intuition. He filled the orbit of 
every station he occupied-he illuminated his pathway with a brilliancy 
that dazzled. He left a pillar of living light on the bright pages of his- 
tory that will reflect its mellow rays on the horizon of Liberty through 
all time. 

HA]\HLTON PAUL was one of the unflinching native patriots of 
South Carolina who resolved on Liberty or death. He filled a large 
space in the public mind and performed many public duties with ability 
and fidelity. He was governor of his Stale-Secretary of the Navy 
under President Madison and dignified every station he occupied. He 
bid farewell to his friends, earth and its toils in 1810. 

HATHAWAY BENONI was born in New Jersey in 1754. He 
was among the first who boldly struck for Liberty. He did not wail 
until the iron was hot before he raised his hammer but heated it by 
continuous and heavy blows. He commanded a company of citizen 
rangers that became a terror to the scouting and foraging parties of the 
enemy and frequently captured them and the sentinels of their main 
camp in the darkness of night! When Gen. Kniphausen was encamped 
at Elizabelhtovvn with his Hessians his most bewitching hours were 
often interrupted by this sleepless company. At one of these attacks 
Capt. Hathaway was wounded in the iiead by a musket ball and was 
unconscious for several hours but recovered and continued his guerrilla 
warfare until the last loyal Briton made good his retreat across the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 42r7 

great heron pond. He was highly esteemed through life and met death 
with Christian fortitude at Newark, N. J. on the 19th of April 1823. 

HAWKINS NATHAN was first introduced to the human family in 
Rhode Island in 1749. His patriotism grew with his growth and 
strengthened with his strength. When a mere youth he was the dele- 
gate of South Kingston to carry assistance to the citizens of Boston 
when reduced to distress by the infamous Port Bill. The war-cry from 
the heights of Lexington broke his slumbers at the hour of midnight-in 
less than twelve hours he was leading a brave volunteer corps to the 
rescue. He served faithfully during the whole period of the Revolu- 
tion-acted a gallant part in several battles and is fully entitled to a 
place upon the records of enduring fame. When the war closed he lo- 
cated and closed his life at Charlestown, Mass.-filled several civil offices 
-was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens-sustained the noble reputa- 
tion of an honest man-died October 3d 1817. 

HAWLEY JOSEPH entered upon his earthly pilgrimage in North- 
ampton, Mass. in 1724. He was one of the first who opposed the usur- 
pations of the crown officers and the patriot who wrote to John Adams 
just as the Congress of 1774 closed and used the truly prophetic lan- 
guage-" AFTER ALL WE MUST FIGHT." He was a man ot strong intellect, 
great penetration of mind, a close observer of men and things, an in- 
flexible friend to the cause of equal rights. In public meetings, in the 
legislature, in his social intercourse-at all proper times and places-he 
sowed the seeds of Liberty broadcast. When told the Colonies were 
too weak for resistance he replied-" We must put to sea-Providence 
will bring us into port." He was a lawyer of eminence and strongly 
opposed to accepting public office although he served his State in the 
Legislature several times. He exemplified the Christian religion by a 
life of primitive piety but was an uncompromising foe to fanaticism, 
bigotry, sectarianism and the dogmatical creeds of men. His charity 
spread its broad mantle over the whole family of man. He held the 
commission of major of militia but owing to his frequent and sudden 
attacks of illness he did not serve in the tented field. He enjoyed the 
esteem and confidence of every friend of freedom and passed peacefully 
from earth on the 10th of March 178G. 

HAYNE ISAAC-[see the Biography of John Penn in Part I.] I 
can find no record of his birth. 

HEATH WILLIAM was born in Roxbury, Mass. in 1737. He left 
his plough in the furrow the moment the war-cry reached him and has- 
tened to the field of epic glory. He was constitutionally a military 
man. Congress conferred upon him the commission of brigadier-gene- 
ral in 1775. The next year Congress raised him to the rank of major- 
general. He commanded a division at the battle of King's Bridge in 
1776 and next year was placed over the Eastern Department with his 
headquarters at Boston and filled that arduous station until November 
1778. Burgoyne and his army were under his charge as prisoners of 
war and at first gave him much trouble. The haughty Bntish general 
and his oflicers supposed General Heath a novice in the rules of mili- 
tary etiquette and put on airs that induced insubordination among the 
English soldiers. In this they were mistaken. Gen. Heath had been a 
close military student from his boyhood. He had nothing new to learn 



438 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

from these high dignitaries but an insolent assumption of importance 
that he soon cured and reduced them to their proper level. With the 
humanity of a philanthropist and the polish of an old school gentleman 
he united the firmness of a Rom.an, the courage of a hero and the dig- 
nity of a nobleman. 

In the summer of 1780 he was master of ceremonies at Rhode Island 
on the reception of the French fleet under the command of Admiral 
de Ternay with the troops that were sent to aid in sustaining our Inde- 
pendence. A mutual pleasure was experienced on that occasion which 
matured into lasting friendship. In 1781 Gen. H. was successfully em- 
ployed at the east in raising supplies for the army. When Gen. Wash- 
ington repaired to Yorktown Gen. Heath was left in command of the 
northern and eastern branches of the army that remained to sustain the 
garrisons upon the Hudson and Atlantic. At all times and under all 
circumstances he acquitted himself nobly and received a letter of sin- 
cere thanks from Washington at the close of the war for his zeal and 
promptness in the performance of the long and arduous services that 
had devolved upon him. After the war closed he filled various legisla- 
tive and judicial stations with dignity and ability. He was elected 
lieutenant-governor in 1806 but refused to serve. He had earned a 
lasting fame-was beloved by his countrymen at large and glided down 
the stream of time peacefully until the 24th of January 1814 when his 
spirit returned to its original happy home. 

HESTON EDWARD was ushered into Hestonville, county of 
Philadelphia, Petmsylvania in 1745. He was one of the brave farmers 
who exchanged the plough for the sword. He entered the army as 
Captain and rose to the rank of Lieut. Colonel. By his vigilance in 
watching Lord Cornwallis when in Philadelphia he saved the brigade 
of Gen. Potter from being captured. The day previous to the battle 
of Germantown, with a few bold spirits he faced a heavy fire and suc- 
ceeded in cutting the rope at the middle ferry to prevent the communi- 
cation of the enemy with Philadelphia. In a skirmish with a party 
of British he received a severe sword cut on the back of his head, was 
taken prisoner and sent to Long Island where he was detained for 
seven months. After the Revolution closed he was an active member 
of the legislature of his native state and was esteemed through life for 
benevolence, charity, patriotism and rigid honesty. He died at his 
residence in Hestonville on the 14th day of March 1824. 

HOLDEN LEVI was born in New Jersey in 1754. He entered 
the Continental army as Captain in 1776 and served faithfully until 
mother Britain relinquished her maternal care over the Colonies and 
left her froward child to act its own will and pleasure-a prudent course 
for the old lady and a fair business transaction. For three years Capt. 
Holden was attaclied to Washington's life guard and was highly 
esteemed by him. After the war he located at Newark, New Jersey 
where he enjoyed the esteem of the community for 30 years and 
descended to the tomb on the 19th day of April 1823, ripe in years and 
rich with honors. 

HOUSTON JOHN was one of the nucleus of patriots who put the 
Revolutionary ball in motion at the Liberty Pole meeting in Georgia. 
Himself and Mr. Bullock were among the few who dared express their 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 439 

opinions at that meeting. Before it adjourned the fire of patriotism was 
kindled in so many bosoms that royal power trembled at the probable 
result. Mr. Houston was a member of the Continental Congress in 
1775 and performed his duty nobly. He was subsequently a judge of 
the Supreme Court and governor of his state. He was a man of fine 
talents, great energy, sterling integrity and devoted patriotism. He 
enjoyed the full fruition of the love of his country and friends until 
1796 when he passed peacefully from time to eternity. 

HOWARD JOHN EAGER commenced infancy in Baltimore Md. 
in 1752. He resolved on Liberty or death at the commencement of 
that long and doubtful struggle that resulted in Freedom to America. 
He was among those who dared snatch the laurels from the proud 
sons of mother Britain and place them upon their own manly brows. 
He entered the army with the conirnission of Captain and was raised to 
the rank of Lieut. Colonel in 1779. He was one of the bravest of the 
brave. At the victory of Cowpens he held the swords of seven British 
officers at one time who had surrendered personally to him. His skill 
and bravery were exhibited at the battles of Germantown, White 
Plains, Monmouth, Camden and Hobbick's Hill. So highly were his 
services appreciated by Gen. Greene that he used this strong language- 
" As a patriot and soldier Col. Howard deserves a statue of gold no 
less than the Roman and Grecian Heroes." This short sentence is the 
crowning capital of the climax of eulogy. At the close of the Revolu- 
tion Col. Howard returned to his large real estate in the city of Balti- 
more. Subsequent to the formation of the Federal govenmient he 
was a member of the United States Senate and Governor of Maryland. 
No man was more beloved by his fellow citizens-no one better 
deserved their esteem. He died at his residence in 1827. 

HUMPJiREY DAVID commenced his career of life in Derby, Conn, 
on the — of July 1752. He was a graduate of Yale college and fre- 
quently danced attendance to the muses. He was a staunch friend of his 
country and entered the army a Captain. In 1773 he was aid to Gen. 
Putnam and in turn aid to Parsons, Greene and in 1780 became an aid 
to Gen. Washington with the rank of Lieut. Colonel with whom he re- 
mained until Lord Cornwallis fired his last gun at Yorktown. On all 
occasions Col. Humphrey acted a brave and noble part. His cliivalrous 
conduct at the siege of Yorktown induced Congress to vote him an 
elegant sword. In 1784 he was the secretary of Mr. Jefferson then 
minister to France. In 1786 he retired to his native place and was 
elected to the legislature. In 1788 he was placed in command of a 
regiment raised for the western service. In 1790 he was appointed 
ambassador to the Court of Portugal and in 1797 minister plenipotentiary 
to the Court of Madrid. On his return from Spain he introduced the 
Merino sheep into the United States and deserves great credit for his 
successful exertions in the improvement of wool and its manufacture. 
In ail the multiform duties of his active lite Col. Humphrey had the 
full approbation of his country. In private life he exeni[)litied the 
virtues that make a' good citizen. He closed his useful career at New 
Haven Connecticut on the 21st of February 1818. 

HUNTINGTON JEDEDL'^H was born in Norwich, Connecticut 
in 1743. He was a graduate of Harvard College, an enterprising rner- 



440 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

chant and a whig of the first water. He led his regiment to the Y ead 
quarters of the army at Cambridge early in 1775. His activity, eal, 
courage and efficiency in the field gained the admiration of Washington 
who procured his advancement to the rank of Brigadier General. He 
rendered his best services to promote the glorious cause of Indepen- 
dence and remained in the field during the whole period of the war. 
He subsequently filled various civil offices. He was appointed Collec- 
tor of the Port of New London by Washington and performed his 
duties faithfully during four consecutive administrations. He enjoyed 
the profound respect of the very intelligent citizens of New London 
until the 25th of September 1818 when he took his departure to the 
spirit world. 

IRVINE ANDREW was a native of Ireland, brother to Gen. Wil- 
liam Irvine spoken of more at length in Part I. Dr. Matthew Irvine 
of Charleston, South Carolina was a third brother and served in the 
Continental army. Andrew entered the regiment of his brother Wil- 
liam as Lieutenant and was engaged in the Canada service under Gen. 
Wayne, He was in every action with that General up to the mas- 
sacre of Paoli where he received seventeen bayonet wounds and 
miraculous as it was, recovered and was actively engaged in the 
northern and southern campaigns. No officer of his rank did more 
service-no one could do it in a more heroic manner. After the war 
he lived in the esteem of the citizens of Carlisle, Pa. where he died on 
the 4th of May 1789. 

IRWIN JARED was born in Mecklinburg, North Carolina in 1751. At 
the age of seven years he became a resident of Georgia. At the com- 
mencement of the Revolution he was a pioneer in one of the frontier 
settlements adjacent to the Indian tribes where he became the leader of 
his neighbors in keeping the red men at bay and teaching the tories 
salutary lessons. In that department he rendered himself eminently use- 
ful during the war. He was a member of the first legislature of Georgia 
under the new government which convened at Savannah in 1784. From 
that time forward he became emphatically a leading public man. He 
was long a member of the Georgia Senate and for many years its presi- 
dent. He was repeatedly Governor of the state. He filled every station 
in a manner that gained the unqualified approbation of his constituents. 
His public life was adorned by those private virtues that are indispensable 
to render a man truly great. He died at Union, Washington County, 
Georgia, on the 1st of March 1818. 

JACKSON ANDREW commenced his brilliant life in the Waxhaw 
settlement, S. C. in 1767. He was constitutionally a patriot, soldier 
and statesman. He enlisted in the Continental army at the age of 14 
and performed feats of noble courage that would have honored manhood. 
When fighting bravely for his country he was wounded and taken 
prisoner. After much suffering he was exchanged and at the close of 
the war prosecuted his studies and became a respectable member of the 
Bar. He commanded a successful expedition against the southern 
Indians-in 1820 was the commissioner to receive the Floridas from 
Spain-was made governor of that territory and performed many public 
duties with great energy. He was a major-general during the last war 
with mother Britain. His defence of New Orleans against the veteran 




'^-VORAVED Br rn WELCff.FHOMj^ UnAWNG BYJ.B.£OWGAaiiE. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 441 

army of Gen. Packenham has no parallel in nnodern warfare. In 1828 
Gen. Jackson was elected President of the United States and served two 
ternns. He was emphatically a man of the people. In point of physical 
and moral courage he had no superior. He was stern in his integrity, 
honest in his purposes, unbending in his resolves-determined in his course 
of action. When time shall absorb the bitterness of party spirit that his 
bold administration created-the historian will trace the fair lines of the 
career of Andrew Jackson and present a picture to after generations 
that will command their profound admiration. He lived a patriot-he 
died a Christian in 1845. 

JACKSON JAMES first inhaled the atmosphere at Moreton Horn- 
stead in the County of Devon, England, on the 21st of September 1757. 
His father was a strong whig and brought him to Georgia in 1772 and 
left him with his friend John Wereat, Esquire. James Jackson did not 
fancy hereditary monarchy or purse-proud aristocracy. His very nature 
was republican. At the dawn of the Revolution he was ready to peril 
his life in the cause of equal rights. The war cry that came rushing on 
mighty wind from the blood stained heights of Lexington he hailed as 
the day-spring of FREEooM-the morning star of liberty. At the age of 
18 he was a volunteer in the party of bold spirits that made a descent on 
Savannah. At the attack on Tybee his dauntless courage attracted the 
attention of Archibald Bullock who was the acting head of the patriots. 
In a short time Jackson was in command of a volunteer company of 
light infantry. In 1778 he rose to the rank of brigade-major of the 
Georgia militia. At the storming of Savannah his gallantry could not 
be excelled. He was in the battle of Blackstocks on the 20th of August 
1780. After Tarleton had retreated Major Jackson was put on his track 
and brought back 30 horses. At the battle of Cowpens the Major received 
the thanks of Gen. Morgan on the battle field. When in service under 
Gen. Pickens his noble daring was particularly noticed in the reports of 
that officer. About this time he was made a Colonel with the privilege of 
raising his own regiment, which he quickly accomplished. He com- 
manded at the capture of the British fort at Ogechee, the post at Butler's 
White house and seemed to court danger whenever an opportunity pre- 
sented. In his victory over Col. Brown on the 21st of May 1782, Gen. 
Wayne awarded great praise to Col. Jackson. On the 12th of July of 
that year the British surrendered Savannah and by arrangement delivered 
the keys to this brave Colonel who continued to command it until the close 
of the war. He then commenced a successful practice of law and 
stood on a lofty eminence of merit. He was hailed as one who had con- 
tributed largely towards achieving the Liberty all then enjoyed. He was 
raised to the office of major-general of militta-was a member of the legis- 
lature-quorum of the state and a member of the U. S. Senate. He was 
found equal to every station he was called to fill. He died at Washington 
city while at his post in the Senate on the 19th of January 1806. 

JAMES JOHN was born in Ireland in 1732. His father and several 
of his neighbors came to Virginia in 1733 and settled at Williamsburg 
which name they gave to the place in honor of King William. They 
had all imbibed an unconquerable dislike towards England. At the 
commencement of the Revolution all their descendants were prepared to 
oppose her unjust pretensions. No one amongst them was a more 
56 



442 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

determined opponent than John James. Familiar with border warfare 
he was prepared to act efficiently. He had long been a captain of 
militia under the crown and at once resigned his commission. His com- 
pany all declared for Liberty and retained him in command. In 1776 
he left his plough and marched his men to the defence of Charleston 
where he remained for some time. He was soon promoted to the rank of 
major and became one of the most active officers in service. He was with 
Gen. Moultrie when he was closely pressed by Gen. Provost. At the skirm- 
ish at Tulifinny he commanded the rifle corps. He acted a brave part at the 
battle of Eulavv. His riflemen expended 24 rounds of cartridges on the 
enemy and rarely wasted any ammunition. He was the original nucleus 
of Marion's brigade. He performed many bold exploits-had numerous 
hair-breadth escapes. At one time he was alone and attacked by two 
British dragoons who were in advance of their comrades. As they 
drew their sabres to cut him down he brought them to a sudden halt by 
drawing an empty pistol and then leaped over a chasm a little too broad 
for Tarleton's sportsmen. Just previous to the close of the war he 
returned to his rusty plough and lived in the high esteem of a grateful 
country and his numerous acquaintances until 1791 when he closed his 
useful career in death. He was a member of the Virginia legislature 
and filled several civil offices with credit and fidelity. 

JASPER WILLIAM was a brave sergeant in the division of Gen. 
Moultrie. For personal bravery and shrewdness he had few equals. 
In the heat of the attack upon Fort Moultrie the flag stafl" was shot off' 
by a cannon ball. The banner fell outside of the works. Amidst a 
storm of iron hail Jasper leaped from one of the embrasures, recovered 
the flag, mounted it on his spontoon staflT and unfurled it to the breeze. 
He was promoted to the highest rank he would accept-a roving com- 
mission and the privilege of selecting his companions to aid him in his 
bold and romantic enterprises. He often brought in prisoners before 
Gen. Moultrie was aware of his absence. On one occasion several 
prisoners were ironed and put under a guard of eight soldiers with a 
corporal and sergeant and started for Savannah with a fair prospect 
of the hemp. One was a Mr. Jones whose young wife was in great 
agony on his account and followed him with their oiily child-a lovely 
boy five years of age. Jasper and his kindred spirit Sergeant Newton, 
resolved on their rescue. Within two miles of Savannah in a copse 
of wood is a spring of excellent water about six rods from the road. 
There Jasper and Newton lay in ambush. When the party arrived 
eight of them laid down their guns in the road and went to the fountain 
to drink, leaving two to guard their prisoners. The next moment the 
two on guard slumbered in death-the rest of the British party were all 
made prisoners-the Americans released and the whole arrived at the 
American camp the next morning at Perrysburg. The distressed wife 
had no intimation of the heroic adventure until the crack of the two 
guns from Jasper and Newton. The next moment she clasped her fond 
husband to her convulsed bosom. Her joy may be faintly imagined- 
not described. Gov. Rutledge presented Jasper with an elegant sword 
for his nuble daring at Fort Moultrie. Soon after the brave defence 
of Fort Moultrie Mrs. Elliott presented a splendid stand of colors to 
Col. Moultrie's regiment that composed ilie force in that action. At the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 443 

Storming of Savannah two officers fell in an attempt to plant these 
colors upon a redoubt of the enemy. When a retreat was ordered 
Jasper was mortally wounded while in the act of rescuing this standard 
from the enemy. After the retreat Maj. Horry called to see him and 
■was made the bearer of the following message. " I have got mv fur- 
lough. That sword was presented to me by Governor Rutledge fur 
my services in defence of Fort Moultrie. Give it to my father and 
tell him I wore it in honor. If the old man should weep tell him his 
son died in hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. Elliott 1 lost my life in sup- 
porting the colors she presented to our regiment. Should you ever see 
Jones, wife and son-tell them Jasper is gone but the remembrance of 
that battle which he fought for them brought a secret joy in my heart 
when it was about to slop its motion for ever." In a few moments 
after he closed this message his noble soul suared to heaven. 

JxlY JOHN was born in the city of New York in 1745. He was 
one of the noble sages who dared to be free. He took an early and 
decided stand in favor of Liberty. He was of great service in rousing 
the people to a sense of their true intei'ests. He was elected to Con- 
gress and took his seat in that body the latter part of 1776 and presided 
in the presidential chair for some time. In 1778 he was minister to 
Spain-in 1782 he was one of the commissioners to negotiate a treaty 
with Great Britain. In 1795 he was elected governor of the Empire 
State. He was an able public ofHcer-a valuable private citizen. His 
soul joined its kindred in the spirit world in 1829. 

JOHNSON FRANCIS was born in Pennsylvania in 1749. At the 
commencement of the conflict with mother Britain he was enjoying a 
lucrative practice at the bar. He well understood the merits of the 
high contending parties and enlisted under the banner of freedom. He 
commenced his military career with Gen. Wayne with the commission 
of lieutenant-colonel in the first regiment raised by that brave uthcer. 
He shared with him all the fatigues and glory of the numerous expedi- 
tions and battles in which he was engaged up to the time Gen. Wavne 
went south. He succeeded him in the command of the 5th Pennsylvania 
regiment. His services were ably and zealously rendered and highly 
appreciated. He ventured his hie and spent his fortune for Liberty 
After the close of the Revolution he was elected sheriti'of the city and 
county of Philadelphia as a tribute of merit awarded by both political 
parlies. No man could be more generally beloved-no one better de- 
served'it. He died in Philadelphia on the 22d of February 1815. 

JOHNSON SAMUEL was one of the most talented and ardent pa- 
triots of the chivalric south. From the dawn of the Revolution lie 
boldly espoused the cause of equal rights. He was a member of Con- 
gress and after the adoption of tlie Federal Constitution he was made a 
United States Senator. He was a judge of the Supreme Court of North 
Carolina and governor of that State. He discharged the duties ot public 
and private lite with energy, ability and scrupulous fidelity. His career 
of life was closed in 180G. 

JOHNSON WILLIAM SAMUEL was a native of Connecticut and 
a zealous friend of the cause of Independence. He was a man of strong 
native talents improved by a sound education. He exercised a salutary 
influence over his constituents and served them faithfully in various 



444 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

public capacities. He was a member of the old Congress-a delegate to 
the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution and the first United 
States Senator from his native State. He lived in the esteem of his 
numerous friends until 1819 when his lamp of life went out. 

JONES JOHN PAUL commenced his remarkable life in the district 
of Galloway, Scotland, in 1747. His original name was John Paul and 
Jones was added when he came to America in 1775. He had been a 
mariner from the age of 15 and was master of his profession. He left 
England in disgust in consequence of improper treatment by the autho- 
rities relative to his quelling a mutiny on board his ship, in doing which 
he was compelled to kill the ringleader, for which he was tried and ac- 
quitted and was threatened with a second trial. In the expedition of 
Com. Hopkins against New Providence he was a lieutenant and exhi- 
bited a dauntless spirit that at once placed him on the list of the brave. 
On his return he was placed in command of a sloop with 12 guns. In 
a short time he captured a British vessel with 18 guns. He then cruised 
boldly along the coast of Scotland-made several landings and a few 
contributions and proceeded to the Irish coast where he found the Eng- 
lish armed vessel Drake in the harbor of Watertbrd-gave her a chal- 
lenge-she entered the list of combat-was quickly flogged and hastened 
back to her old moorings crippled and her commander mortified, in the 
summer of 1779 he was put in command of the Bon Homme Richard 
of 40 guns and 415 men with some small craft. After visiting France 
he sailed from there on the 14th of August of that year-took several 
vessels of war and merchantmen and proceeded in search of the Baltic 
fleet which he discovered on the 22d of September at 2 P. M. ofi" Flam- 
borough Head under convoy of a frigate and sloop of war. He at once 
prepared for action. Just as the moon was rising, at quarter before 8 
P. M. one of the most desperate naval actions commenced that can be 
found recorded on the pages of history. When the two larger ships 
came within pistol shot the British frigate opened the bull with a brisk 
fire from her upper and quarter deck. Jones returned the compliment 
with the grace of a naval hero. At the onset three ot ins six 18 pound 
guns burst and killed those around them. He ordered the other three 
not to be used. This accident induced him to grapple with the frigate 
and come to close quarters which he accomplished so completely that 
(he muzzles of the guns of each were in contact. The rage of battle 
then commenced with all the desperation of gladiators. The English- 
aian had nailed his flag to the mast-Jones never surrendered. His ship 
was the most crippled-more of his guns silenced than on the frigate. 
This preponderance of metal was soon changed by a brave tar advanc- 
ing over the frigate on the main yard of the American ship with a 
basket of hand grenades and lighted match. He dropped these messen- 
gers of death among the enemy and through the scuttles-killing many 
and setting the cartridges on fire in every direction. The fight raged 
on-the frigate was several times on fire-the Bon Homme Richard was 
leaking from shots between wind and water-all her guns silenced but 
four and not until both ships took fire was the fury of the contlict re- 
linquished for a moment. When the flames were extinguished the car- 
nage was renewed. Jones had taken over 100 prisoners and put them 
to the pumps under the direction of Lieut. Dale who was severely 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 445 

wounded. The English flag was at last torn down by the captain of 
the frigate which proved to be the Serapis mounting 50 carriage guns 
commanded by Capt. Pearson. All hands were removed on board the 
prize and at 10 the next morning the Bon Homme Richard went to the 
bottom. Capt. Pearson had 137 men killed and 76 wounded. Capt. 
Jones had 165 killed, 137 wounded. It is supposed many of his men 
were killed and wounded by one of his own vessels that fired into him 
some time by mistake at pistol shot. At the commencement of the 
action he received the fire of both British vessels until he closed with 
the frigate. The next morning the Pallas, Capt. Cotineau, attacked the 
British sloop of war and after a severe battle of over two hours com- 
pelled her to surrender. She was the Countess of Scarborough. Capt. 
Jones then proceeded home with his prizes and prisoners and was hailed 
with an enthusiasm that none but freemen so ardently feel and so 
strongly express. On the 14th of April 1781 Congress passed a strong 
resolution expressive of their high appreciation of his valuable services. 
A more skilful, daring and resolute man never commanded a ship. 

After the termination of the Revolution he visited Russia and held 
a naval commission for a time under the Empress Catharine. From 
there he went to Paris in France where he died in 1792.* 

KENNARD NATHANIEL was born in Massachusetts in 1755. 
He was a volunteer in one of the first regiments raised in Massachu- 
setts. In that he served one year and then entered on board a private 
armed vessel-was taken prisoner-taken to England and confined in 
Mill Prison for 27 months with a standing threat he should be hanged. 
He 'was finally sent to France and shipped on the Bon Homme 
Richard and was in the action described in the preceding article. He 
was put on board one of the prizes and ordered for France-was again 
taken prisoner-put on board the British frigate Unicorn and compelled 
to do duty until he found an opportunity to escape on the Island of 
Jamaica and reached home just before the close of the Revolution. 
During the war of 1812 he commanded a Revenue Cutter, From 
that period he was Inspector of Customs at Portsmouth N. H. up to 
the time of his death which occurred on the 24th of June 1823. 

KING RUFUS commenced his life career in New York in 1755. 
In his youth he was an ardent friend to the cause of Freedom and 
a patriot in action. He was a member of Congress when convened at 
Trenton New Jersey in 1784. He was a very.eflicient member of the 
Convention in 1787 that formed the Federal Constitution and was soon 
after elected to the United States Senate. From 1796 to 1803 he was 
minister at the Court of St. James. In 1813 he was elected a United 
States Senator and was minister to England during the administration 
of John Quincy Adams. All his public and private duties were per- 
formed with a single eye to the glory of his country, the good of the 
human family and the preservation of our glorious UNION. He bid 
farewell to earth, its toys, toils, griefs and joys in April 1827. 

KIRKWOOD ROBERT was a native of Newcastle county, Dela 
ware. When the oppression of mother Britain became so intolerable 
that forbearance was no longer a virtue, Robert Kirkwood exchanged 
the implements of agriculture for the sword and entered the Delaware 
regiment under Col. Hazlet with the commission of Lieutenant. He 

* Com. Jones's remains are expected here shortly on board the Frigate St. Lawrence. 



446 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

was in tliirty-two battles during the war and received the highest 
praise from every general officer under whom he served. At the 
battle of Camden fought by Gen. Gates, the Delaware regiment was 
reduced to 195 men who were formed into a company under the com- 
mand of Capt. Kirkwood. A particular history of his bold exploits 
would fill a respectable volume. At the close of the war lie was 
brevet Major. He was a universal favorite and richly deserved to be 
so. He fell fighting under Gen. St. Clair on the 4th of Novem- 
ber 1791. 

KNOWLTON THOMAS was a native of Ashford Connecticut and 
one of the first brave spirits that entered the field and among the first 
martyrs in the cause of Freedom. He commanded a regiment at the 
battle of Long Island in August 1776 which formed the van of the 
American army. In September following he came in contact with 
Gen. LesUe with a superior force and fell while gallantly leading his 
men to the charge. The command then devolved on Major Leitch of 
Virginia who was severely wounded but drove the enemy from the 
field. Col. Knowlton was an officer of great promise, an esteemed 
cltizen-an honest man. 

KNOX HENRY was born in Boston, Mass. on the 25th of July 
1750. He was created a freeman and nobly fulfilled the design of 
his creation. In early life he became familiar with the engineer depart- 
ment of mihtary tactics. He was among the first Major Generals 
appointed by Congress and directed the ordnance operations during 
tlie whole period of the Revolution. The practised veterans of mother 
Britain were often compelled to admit that he had no superior in the 
management of artillery. His skill was effectually illustrated on every 
battle field where he was present. The victory at Monmouth over 
superior numbers was attributed by the enemy to the artillery of Gen. 
Knox. Washington referred to the fact in his report to Congress. 
From the commencement of his useful military career at Cambridge to 
its brilliant close at Yorktown, this brave and accompHshed General 
stood on a lofty eminence of fame, admired and beloved by the com- 
mander-in-chief, by the whole army, by Congress and by our nation. 
He succeeded Gen. Lincoln in the War Department after the close of 
the Revolution and was the first Secretary of War under the Federal 
Constitution. On retiring from public life he settled at Thomastown, 
Maine, where his death was occasioned by a chicken bone lodging in 
his throat on the 25th of October 1806. In the private walks of life 
he exemplified those virtues most prominently that best adorn the man 
and assimilate him to his Creator. 
. KOSCIUSZCO TH ADDEUS commenced his noble existence in 1 746 
in the palatinate of Brescia, Lithunia, once an independent grand 
duchy containing 60,000 square miles which was united to Poland in 
1569 and now forms the Russian provinces of Wilna, Grodno and 
Minsk. When reading the classics in his youth this noble patriot 
became enraptured with the vision of a Republic. He completed his 
education by a military course that he might be better prepared to 
battle for Liberty. When the story of the American Revolution 
reached him he at once resolved to enroll his name with those who dared 
to make an effort to be free. On his arrival, Washington appointed 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 447 

him a Colonel of engineers and one of his aids. His undaunted bravery 
on all occasions, his patriotic zeal, his amiable disposition, his purity 
of life, his noble bearing-all combined to endear liim to the army and 
to every friend of freedom. He returned to his native land at the close 
of the Revolution and left his name carved high on the temple of our 
Liberty Having aided in achieving the Independence we now enjoy, 
he saw nis long nursed vision of a Republic reduced to a happy reality. 
His own countrymen were groaning under a bondage more servile; 
than that which had oppressed the Americans. He longed to see them 
free. A few noble spirits were prepared to strike for Liberty. The 
time arrived for action. Kosciuszco was made commander-in-chief in 
1789. Five years passed in preparation. In 1794 his army was 
attacked at Raslavice by the Russian General Denisoff who was de- 
feated with great slaughter. For six months he kept at bay the com- 
bined forces of Rnssia and Prnssia. On the 4th of October of that 
year, the officer who commanded the advance position of the Polish 
army proved a traitor and permitted the enemy to occupy it without 
opposition. This effected the ruin of the liberating army-Kosciuszco 
fell covered with wounds and was incarcerated in a dungeon at St. 
Petersburg until Alexander was crowned who at once restored him 
to freedom. He then visited the United States and landed at Phila- 
delphia where he was made a welcome guest. He subsequently spent 
some time in France. From thence he went to Solence in Switzerland 
where he died on the 16th of October 1817. 

LACY JOHN was born in Bucks County, Pa. on the 4th of February 
1755. His paternal ancestor came from the Isle of Wight under the 
auspices of William Penn. John's ancestor and all his descendants 
belonged to the Society of Friends. The love of Freedom predominated 
over the anti-war creed of John and he made up his mind to obtain it, 
peaceably if he could-forcibly if he must. He took the commission of 
captain from Congress on the 6th of January 1776 and was at once 
thrown over the fence by his Quaker brethren. He left his home, his 
society and his mill to do battle for his country. He served under Gen. 
Wayne in Canada and performed the hazardous duty of carrying an 
express from Gen. Sullivan to Arnold when before Quebec. On his 
return the next year he resigned in consequence of a difficulty with Gen. 
Wayne. He was then appointed by the legislature of Pennsylvania to 
organize the militia in Bucks County. He was soon elected colonel. He 
was now in the midst of tories and Quakers who were acting in concert 
with the enemy and threatened him with personal vengeance. These 
threats he disregarded as the idle wind. He brought his regiment into 
the field and performed feats of valor that at once raised him to a high 
standard on the list of heroes. His conduct was particularly noticed by 
Washington and he was honored with the commission of brigadier- 
general on the 9th of January 1778 and ordered to relieve Gen. Potter. 
He was then but 22 years of age. Probably influenced by his refugee 
neighbors-the British in Philadelphia determined on taking him dead or 
alive. His duties were onerous, his watchfulness untiring. On the 1st 
of the ensuing May he was stationed at what is now Hatborough with 
less than 500 men, mostly raw militia. Owing to the negligence of the 
officer of his picket guard his little camp was surrounded just at the dawn 



448 THE SAGES A X D H E HOES 

of morning by about 800 British infantry, rangers and cavalry. He 
formed his men quickly and cut his way through with such impetuosity 
that he threw the enemy into confusion and escaped with the loss of 
only 26 killed with a few wounded and prisoners who were treated with 
a barbarity that casts savage warfare so far in the shade that their most 
cruel tortures would appear as refulgent sun light in comparison. This 
bold mancEuvre of Gen. Lacy and his brave Spartans was a matter of 
applause throughout the country. He was constantly employed by Gen. 
Washington on hazardous enterprizes and in every instance received his 
unqualified approbation. After the evacuation of Philadelphia Gen. 
Lacy was made a member of the legislature and served three consecu- 
tive sessions. In 1781 he closed his military career and like a good 
citizen, married an amiable daughter of Col. Reynolds of New Jersey and 
commenced a successful career of domestic felicity. He filled various 
civil offices, lived in the esteem of every patriot (not of all his Quaker 
relatives) and died at the village of New Mills, Burlington County, N. J. 
on the 17th of February 1814. 

LAURENS HENRY was ushered into the world at Charleston, S. C. 
in 1724. Hp was one of the first in his state to put the revolutionary 
ball in motion. He was President of the Provincial Congress of South 
Carolina that convened in June 1775. He prepared articles of associa- 
tion that demonstrated how clearly he perceived-how strongly he felt the 
oppressions of mother Britain. In November 1777 he succeeded John 
Hancock in the Presidential chair of the Continental Congress. In 1780 
he was comissioned to proceed to Holland to negotiate a loan and form 
a treaty with the United Netherlands. On his passage he was captured 
by a British war vessel and on the 6th of October was committed to the 
tower in London under the charge of high treason. He was there con- 
fined for 14 months and treated with the proverbial cruelty that has left 
a dark stain upon the names of the British ministers then in power, that 
if they were linen the concentrated powers of a thousand suns could not 
efface it in a million of years. Many stratagems were devised to obtain 
from him concessions and promises that would lessen his sufferings and 
apparent danger but which did not honor his country. They were 
spurned with an indignity that none but freemen can so burningly exhibit. 
When his son was sent to the court of France the father was requested 
to write and request him to desist from his mission or the life of his 
parent would be taken. He promptly refused and replied-" My son is 
of age and has a will of his own. I know him to be a man of honor. 
He loves me dearly and would lay down his life to save mine but I am 
sure he would not sacrifice his honor to save my life and I applaud him 
for it." The indignation of the Americans and many in the mother 
country was roused against those who held Mr. Laurens in bondage. The 
authorities found themselves in a tight place. They dare not try and con- 
demn him as a rebel. For this a swift retribution awaited them. Burgoyne 
and many other high functionaries were prisoners of war. The old 
patriot could not be moved from the position of a freemen. He correctly 
considered himself only a prisoner of war-his own countrymen and other 
nations were of the same opinion. After much ado about a plain simple 
matter the king's counsellors had him bound, with Messrs. Osu'ald and 
Anderson as sureties, to appear at the Easter term for trial after being 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 449 

compelled to strike from the recognizance the words " our sovereign lord 
the king." Before leaving he was entirely released and requested by 
Lord Shelburne to hasten home to assist in consummating a peace. 
Before leaving he received a commission from Congress to repair to 
Paris and act in conjunction with Messrs. Franklin, Adams and Jay 
and had the proud satisfaction of signing the preliminaries of peace on 
the 30th of November 1782. His cruel deprivations during his imprison- 
ment laid the foundation of disease which terminated his life near 
Charleston, S. C. on the 8th of December 1792. His name is enrolled 
with the patriotic, the virtuous and the good. 

LAURENS JOHN was the noble son of Henry before alluded to. 
He was one of the bravest of the brave. He entered the army in 1777 
with the rank of lieutenant-colonel and was a member of the military 
family of Washington. At Germantown he was severely wounded in 
an attempt to dislodge the enemy from Chew's house. He gained lau- 
rels at Rhode Island, Monmouth, Savannah, Charleston and at several 
other points of desperate conflict. He was among the first to enter the 
lines at Yorktown. He courted danger ardently-his courage was im- 
petuous-he knew no fear. Dr. Ramsay said of him-" A dauntless 
bravery was the least of his virtues and an excess of it his greatest 
foible." His love for Washington knew no bounds. He challenged 
Gen. Charles Lee for speaking disrespectfully of the father of our coun- 
tr}^ and marked him for life. He was asked how young Laurens be- 
haved and replied-" I could have hugged the noble boy he pleased me 
so." His mission to France in 1781 to effect a loan was successful. 
His private virtues were as bright as his public career was brilliant. 
He was a high-minded, honorable, accomplished gentleman. At a tri- 
fling skirmish after the war was virtually closed this noble young man 
was killed in 1782. 

LED YARD WILLIAM was born in Connecticut in 1738. He was 
a murdered martyr in the glorious cause of Liberty. After bravely 
defending Fort Griswold at New London against an overwhelming 
force under the traitor Arnold he was compelled to surrender [see the 
Life of Arnold]. A British oflicer entered and asked who commanded 
the fort. Col. Ledyard replied-" I <//(/ but you do now ^' and handed 
him his sword which he immediately plunged through the body of his 
defenceless prisoner. Nearly 70 were slaughtered alter the surrender. 
The fort was manned by 157 militia hastily collected and poorly armed. 
But 6 were killed in the regular attack. The British had two commis- 
sioned officers and 40 privates killed-135 non-commissioned oflicers 
and privates wounded-conclusive proof of the bravery of Col. Ledyard 
and his men in an action of only forty minutes. The following extract 
from the inscription on the tomb-stone of Col. Ledyard shows the high 
estimation in which he was held. 

" By a judicious and faithful discharge of the various duties of his 
station he rendered most essential services to his country and stood 
confessed the unshaken patriot and intrepid hero. He lived the pattern 
of magnanimity, courtesy and humanity— he died the victim of ungene- 
rous rage and cruelty." 

LEE ARTHUR commenced his mortal career in Virginia in 1740. 
He was highly educated in Enaland-tuok the degree of M. D. at the 
57 



450 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

medical university of Edinburgh-returned to Williamsburg in his native 
State and commenced the successful practice of his profession. In a 
few years he returned to England-read law in the Temple and became 
a political writer over the signature of Junius Americanus which gave 
him an acquaintance with the popular party and gained him a member- 
ship in the famed society of the supporters of the Bill of Rights. His 
numerous political essays in favor of the cause of Liberty gained for 
him a high reputation at home. He was associated with Messrs. 
Franklin and Deane in negotiating a treaty of alliance with France in 
1776. Upon learning that false accusations had been circulated by 
Mr. Deane alleging improper political conduct he resigned and re- 
turned home. He was elected to the Virginia Legislature in 1781 and 
then to Congress where he remained until 1785. The previous year 
he had eflected a treaty with the Six Nations of Indians. He went 
from Congress into the Treasury Department where he continued up to 
1789 when he left the public arena and died in 1792. He was a man 
of parts and a zealous patriot. 

LEE CHARLES was a native of North Wales and held a mihtary 
commission at the age of eleven. His was emphatically the life of a 
soldier. He served at an early age in ('anada-under Burgoyne in 
Portugal-in the Polish army-trav^elled the tour of Europe-killed an 
Italian officer in a duel-came to America in 1773-declared for Liberty 
and was made a major-general by Congress in 1775. He commanded 
for a time in New York-then in the south-was soon transferred to New 
Jersey where he was made prisoner in 1776 and treated in the most 
brutal manner and not exchanged until the close of the next year. In 
1778 he was arraigned before a court martial for disobeying orders at 
rhe battle of Monmouth and suspended for one year. He lived in se- 
clusion in Virginia until 1782 when he repaired to Philadelphia and 
died in October of that year-poor and friendless-friendless because he 
was poor. He wsls a man of energy-a brave officer-rather morose 
and not calculated to captivate or gain popular applause. 

LEE HENRY was born in Virginia in 1756 and entered the mili- 
tary arena in 1776 with the rank of captain of cavalry. At the battle 
of Germantown his company was the body guard of Washington. In 
1780 he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel and put in command of 
the celebrated " Lee's Legion" so often referred to and which was a 
terror to the enemy during the war. At Eutaw Springs and in nume- 
rous battles he gained imperishable laurels. From 1786 to the time of 
the adoption of the Federal Constitution he was a member of Congress 
and a member of the Convention that framed that sacred instrument. 
In 1799 he was elected to Congress and selected to pronounce the fu- 
neral oration of President Washington. In 1792 he was governor of 
Virginia. For military courage, skill and prudence Col. Lee stood in 
the front rank. His capture of the garrison of Paulus Hook opposite 
New York in open day without the loss of a man and in sight of the 
main British army and navy, was a feat scarcely equalled during the 
Revolution. So perfect were his plans-so rapid were his movements 
that he eluded pursuit and took every man found in the garrison to the 
American camp. He commanded the army that put a quietus on the 
Whisky boys in Pennsylvania. With all his honors fresh upon him 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 451 

he was incarcerated in prison for the crime of debt. He there wrote 
his " Mennoirs of the Southern Campaign." He was severely wounded 
at the riot in Baltimore in 1814. He died at Cumberland Island in 
Georgia at the house of a friend in 1814. His remains repose near 
those of Gen. Greene who was his warm friend and companion in 
arms. His relentless creditors could rob him of his personal liberty 
but could not chain his noble mind nor rob him of a well earned fame 
or of the glorious title of an honest man. 

LEE EZRA was born in Connecticut in 1749. He left his plough 
in the furrow to avenge the wrongs that were heaped upon his country 
by the hirelings of the crown. With the commission of a Captain he 
entered the service under Gen. Parsons. He had the marked esteem 
of Gen. Washington and performed many secret missions for him. He 
fought with him at Trenton, Monmouth and Braudywine. When the 
British fleet lay in New York bay he sent every war vessel to Sandy 
Hook as fast as wind could take them-the men sweeping the bottoms 
of the ships with chains for fear some live Yankee might still be there. 
An ingenious apparatus for blowing up ships was invented by David 
Bushnel of Saybrook, Conn. Washington employed Capt. Lee to put 
it in operation. For the want of a resisting power to work the attaching 
screw he was not able to penetrate the copper on the bottom of the 
vessel. He finally detached the apparatus containing the magazine 
of powder and left it under one of the large war ships. In due time 
it exploded-put the water in earthquake agitation and shook the 
very earth. The brave Britons were as badly frightened as when 
they had the dreadful battle with the kegs on the Delaware opposite 
Philadelphia. They were missing in a short time. After the Inde- 
pendence of his country was secured Capt. Lee returned to his farm 
where he lived in the esteem of his fellow citizens and pursued the 
even tenor of his ways at Lyme Connecticut until the 29th of October 
1821 when his noble soul returned to its original happy home. 

LEE THOMAS SIM was a citizen of Maryland and early espoused 
his country's rights and sternly opposed British wrongs. He served 
his country in various public capacities-was a member of the Conti- 
nental Congress-a delegate to the Convention that framed the Federal 
Constitution and governor of his state. He lived in the full enjoy- 
ment of the esteem of his numerous friends until 1819 when his lamp 
of life was snuffed out by death. 

LINCOLN BENJAMIN was introduced on our rolling planet at 
Hingham, Mass. on the 23d of January 1733. Like Cincinnatus he 
left his plough and hastened to repel the invading foe. As Colonel of 
militia he had taken the entered apprentice degree in military tactics 
and rose rapidly in rank. In 1776 the Council of Massachusetts made 
him a Major General and in February of the ensuing year Congress 
conferred on him a similar commission at the suggestion of Washington. 
He was with him at New York and in Jersey and rendered efficient 
aid during that trying period. In July 1777 he joined the northern 
army and did much toward preparing the way for the capture of 
Burgoyne. He made his head quarters at Manchester, Vermont. On 
the 13th of September he sent Col. Brown to lake George with 500 
men who surprised the enemy-seized 200 batteaux-took 293 prisoners 



452 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

and liberated 100 Americans with a loss of only three killed and five 
wounded. He soon united his force with that of Gen. Gates and was 
second in command. During the bloody battle of the 7th of October 
he commanded within the lines. On the 8th of October he' was severely 
wounded in the leg and disabled for a long time. He suffered several 
surgical operations and lost a considerable portion of the bone which 
lamed him for life. In 1778 he was put in command of the southern 
division of the army then in a miserable condition. Near the last o-f 
December Gen. Provost arrived with several armed vessels and 3000 
fresh troops and occupied Savannah. In September 1779 Gen. Lincoln 
and Count D'Estaing made a bold but unsuccessful attack upon the 
enemy. A column under Count Dillion missed their way and were 
not in the action, to which accident may be attributed the faiUire of 
success. In leading on a corps of cavalry Count Pulaski was mortally 
wounded. Gen Lincoln then repaired to Charleston and used his best 
exertions to place it in a state of defence. In February 1780 Sir 
Henry Clinton arrived and on the 30th of March planted himself in 
front of that city. After wasting considerable powder he demanded a 
surrender on the 10th of April which was promptly refused. A 
vigorous siege was prosecuted until the 11th of May when terms of 
capitulation were arranged. Gen. Lincoln had kept the enemy at bay 
much longer than was anticipated by friend or foe. His conduct stood 
approved by all whose good opinion he valued. At Yorktown he 
commanded the central division. His conduct elicited the high appro- 
bation of Washington who mentioned him particularly in his report to 
Congress. In 1781 he was placed at the head of the War Department. 
At the end of two years he resigned and was complimented by Con- 
gress with a resolution of strong commendation. In 1784 he was one 
of the commissioners who made a treaty with the Penobscot Indians. 
In 1787 he commanded the troops who quelled the rebellion of Shay and 
Day. The same year he was elected Lieut. Governor. In 1789 he 
was one of the commissioners who effected a treaty with the Creek 
Indians and in 1793 with the Western Indians. He was appointed 
Collector of the Port of Boston in 1789 which office he held until two 
years before his death which occurred on the 9th of May 1810. In 
all respects he was a worthy citizen and exemplified every virtue that 
renders a man truly useful. 

LIPPITT CHRISTOPHER was born in Rhode Island in 1744. 
From early life he took a deep interest in the welfare of his country 
and filled many public stations. When the war cry was sounded he 
was Colonel of a regiment and marched his yeoman troops to the 
battle field. He subsequently entered the Continental army-was raised 
to the rank of Brigadier-fought bravely at Harlaem Heights, White 
Plains, Trenton and Princeton and received the high commendation of 
Washington for his zeal, courage and uniform consistent course. He 
was elected governor of his native state before the close of the war 
and was several times called ont to repel the invading foe. He was 
always at the post of duty and knew no fugitive fear. He acted a 
noble part in the drama of life-when the curtain of death closed upon 
him he was ready. He died at Cranston, Rhode Island in 1824. 

LIVINGSTON ROBERT R. was a native of the Empire State ana 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 453 

one of the early and bold patriots who bearded the British lion and 
drove him from his lair of illegitimate power. He was an acute law- 
yer, a profound jurist, an able statesman. He was a member of Con- 
gress in 1776 and on the committee appointed to prepare the Declara- 
tion of Independence. He was Secretary of Foreign Affairs-minister 
to France and for a long time chancellor of the State of New York. 
He dignified every station he occupied, graced the walks of private life 
and made a peaceful exit from earth in 1813. 

LIVINGSTON WILLIAM was born in New York in 1723. He 
was a ripe scholar, a firm patriot and was among the first to expose 
the usurpations of mother Britain and rouse the people to a vindication 
of their chartered rights. He was an able writer and was most sin- 
cerely hated by the creatures of the crown. He removed to New Jer- 
sey just previous to the war storm. He was an able member of Con- 
gress in 1774. He was the first governor of his adopted State under 
the new order of things and ably filled that dignified oilice for fourteen 
consecutive years when he was called " to that country from whose 
bourne no traveller returns." He died near Elizabethtown, N, J. on 
the 25th of July 1790 full of years and crowned with honurs enduring 
as history. 

McCLlNTOCK NATHANIEL commenced his earthly career in 
New Hampshire on the 21st of March 1757. He received a finished 
education and was a favorite in every circle where he moved. He 
was courted by the hirelings of the crown with the promise of high 
honors. He was affianced to Liberty and could not entertain their pro- 
positions. Soon after the war-cry was raised on the heights of Lexing- 
ton he entered the army with the commission of lieutenant. He rose 
quickly to the rank of major over older captains which created dissa- 
tisfaction among them although they fully agreed that his talents and 
services made him worthy of the promotion. He proved the noble 
magnanimity of his soul by at once resigning that perfect harmony 
might be restored. He had fought bravely at Trenton-at Ticonderoga 
and in all the battles with the troops of Burgoyne up to the time of his 
surrender. On leaving the army he entered on board the private armed 
ship General Sullivan of 20 guns, (^apt. Manning, as second lieutenant. 
In 1780 this ship was captured by two British cruisers of much supe- 
rior force after a severe engagement in which Maj. McClintock was 
killed. Thus prematurely fell one of the brightest and most promising 
sons of New Hampshire. 

McKINSTRY JOHN is first ushered into historic notice at the battle 
of Bunker's Hill where he acted a brave part in I'epelling the overwhelm- 
ing force of the enemy. From that time to the surrender of Yorktown 
he was constantly in the field with a commissi(jn of captain often com- 
manding a partisan corps in bold and daring enterprises. In Canada 
he had become a terror to the enemy. At Cedar Ke\s, 80 miles above 
Montreal on the St. Lawrence, he was taken prisoner and soon bound 
to a tree by the savages and surrounded with faggots. All hope of 
escape had fled-a torturing death seemed inevitable-the torch was 
ready to be applied-the war dance was arranged-the Captain uttered 
what he supposed was his last prayer. At that awful moment Heaven 
reminded him that he was a Mason and had heard that the ruhng chief, 



454 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

Brandt, belonged to the same time honored fraternity. He gained his 
eye-gave him the proper sign-was instantly released-treated with great 
kindness and exchanged in a short time. Many instances are on record 
of a similar character and others of a diflerent nature where a bro- 
ther has been rescued from the jaws of death. Gen. Freegifl Patchin, 
of my native place was rescued by Brandt when a prisoner in Canada 
under exactly similar circumstances. I have often heard it from his 
own lips. If all mankind were true Masons and no black sheep in the 
flock-a harmony would succeed before unknown. The instances above 
cited should silence every objector to an institution pure in principle 
but sometimes dishonored by the unworthy. 

Capt. McKinstry resumed the business of agriculture when the army 
was disbanded and lived in the esteem of his countrymen in the town 
of Livingston, N. Y. until 1822 when his mourning neighbors performed 
the last solemn duty of placing him in his grave. 

McPHERSON WILLIAM was born at Philadelphia, Pa. in 1756. 
He was made a cadet in the British army when but 13 years of age. 
At the commencement of the American Revolution he was adjutant of 
the 16th Regiment of the king's troops. This did not make him a loy- 
ah'st. His innate love of freedom induced him to at once tender his 
resignation which was not accepted till 1779 when he repaired to the 
American camp. Having been stationed at Pensacola up to this time 
he had never drawn his sword against his country. He had been long 
personally and favorably known to Gen. Washington who at once made 
him a brevet major. He was an aid under Gen. La Fayette for some 
time and subsequently placed over a corps of cavalry in Virginia. On 
all occasions he acquitted himself nobly. On the 19th of ^September 
1789 he was made surveyor of the port of Philadelphia-in 1792 inspec- 
tor of revenue-in 1793 naval officer, which station he held until 1813 
when he was called from time to eternity. 

MADISON JAMES was born in Orange County, Virginia, on the 
16th of March, 1751. Although young at the commencement of the 
Revolution he took a deep interest in its success. After the close of 
the struggle for Independence he was among those who clearly saw 
that the old Articles of Confederation could not preserve the priceless 
Liberty obtained. He has the imperishable honor of proposing the 
Convention that framed the inestimable Federal Constitution that has 
thus far held our ship of state to its moorings amidst the dashing waves 
of parly spirit-the roaring breakers of political fanaticism-the angry 
surges of impolitic ultra ism. His fame as a far-seeing statesman stands 
on a lofty eminence. His voluminous writings bear the impress of giant 
intellect-unalloyed patriotism-sterling integrity and untiring industry. 
He succeeded Thomas Jefferson in the Presidential chair and served 
two terms. He steered the ship of slate through the second war of 
Independence and run her close lo the wind. His lile v\as a continued 
course of usefulness-his demise left a vacuum in our nation not readily 
filled. The curtain of death closed upon him in 1836. 

MANLY JOHN commenced his earthly pilgrimage in Massachu- 
setts in 1734. He was one of the first who met the enemy on her fa- 
vorite element. He was put in command of the armed schooner Lee 
on the 24lh of October J 775 and cruised in and around Massaciiusetls 




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/ 



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OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 455 

Bay. His success was beyond all anticipation. He made numerous 
captures of great value to the American army and embryo navy. His 
noble daring and consummate skill were hailed as germs of future great- 
ness. He was transferred to the privateer Hancock and launched out 
upon a more extensive cruise and captured the British sloop of war 
Fox and several other prizes. On his return he was received with 
great enthusiasm and transferred to the privateer Jason. Soon after he 
sailed he was attacked by two English privateers of 18 and 10 guns. 
He ran the Jason between them before he fired a gun and in a few brief 
moments they both surrendered. On his return passage with these 
prizes he was captured by the Rainbow of 40 guns on the 8th of July 
1777 and was confined in Mill Prison and at Halifax until near the 
close of the war and treated with the proverbial cruelty so often before 
noticed. In 1782 he vv^as put in command of the frigate Hague. Dur- 
ing his cruise he was run on a sand bank near Guadaloupe by a 74 gun 
ship which was joined by three other ships of the line. They opened a 
tremendous fire upon the frigate which was continued for three days. 
On the morning of the fourth day the Hague swung clear, hoisted the 
Continental colors-fired a farewell salute of 13 guns and returned to 
Boston. Charges were there brought against this gallant captain by 
one of his officers. These were partially sustained before a court mar- 
tial but appear not to have been placed upon the public records nor well 
understood by the community. His unsurpassed bravery may have 
operated in his favor. He died at Boston on the 12th of February 1793. 
MARSHALL JOHN was born in Virginia in 175G. He was one 
of the noble sons of the Old Dominion who threw themselves in the 
breach made upon our country by the corrupt British ministry. He 
was a long time in the tented field under Washington and acted a bold 
and glorious part in the achievement of our Independence. He was a 
man of superior talents-sound education and strong mind. In 1797 he 
was envoy to France-Secretary of Stale under Thomas Jefierson and 
soon after was made Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court 
which station he dignified to the close of his life. He wrote an elabo- 
rate Life of Washington. He was universally esteemed as an orna- 
ment to the bench, his country and to every circle in which he moved. 
MATHEWS THOMAS is first spoken of as a citizen of Norfolk, 
Virginia and a brave officer*of the Revolution. It is painful to the his- 
torian in search of facts relative to the Sages and Heroes of the Ame- 
rican Revolution to be unable to ascertain even the birth-place of many 
who did good service in the glorious cause of Independence. So in 
this case. Mr. Mathews was a prominent man-rose to the rank of 
general-was speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginia and nobly 
performed the public and private duties of life that devolved upon him. 
He died at Norfolk, Va. on the 20th of April 18*12. 

MERCER HUGH was born and educated at Aberdeen, Scotland. 
He became a physician and was surgeon's mate at the battle of Cullo- 
den Moor, Scotland, where the young Pretender was defeated by the 
Duke of Cumberland in 1745. He came to Pennsylvania in 1746 and 
was actively engaged in the border wars. He was with Gen. Braddock 
in 1755 and witnessed the awful slaughter on the day that general was 
mortally wounded. He formed an intimacy with Washington during 



456 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

that campaign. The next year he served under Gen. Armstrong and 
greatly distinguished himself at the battle with the Indians at Kittanning 
above Pittsburgh. He there narrowly escaped being captured-had his 
right arm broken with a ball-became separated from his companiotrs 
and was alone in the wilderness two weeks before reaching Cumber- 
land without any food but water and the flesh of a rattlesnake that he 
fortunately killed. The city of Philadelphia presented him with a 
splendid medal for his bravery on that occasion. In 1763 he removed 
to Fredericksburg, Va. where he enhanced his importance in society 
by leading Isabella Gordon to the hymeneal altar. He soon gained a 
good practice in his profession and the esteem of a large circle of ac- 
quaintances. He was an ardent Whig and was among the first to repel 
the enemy by force of arms. He was at once made a brigadier-gene- 
ral. His brigade was a part of the left wing of the American army at 
the battle of Trenton in December 1776. On the 3d of January fol- 
lowing he commenced the attack at Princeton with 350 men. Before 
the main force could be brought to his support he was charged by the 
whole regiment commanded by Col. Mawhood. His line was broken- 
he was surrounded in person and compelled to surrender after which 
he was mortally wounded. At that moment Washington came up and 
quickly routed the enemy and rescued the brave Mercer. He lived but 
one week and was buried at Princeton. His death was not only deeply 
deplored by his friends, the army and Congress but was a most serious 
loss to the country at large. His age, experience, talents, high charac- 
ter-all combined to render him one of the most important men of our 
nation at that eventful era. In the memoirs of Gen. Wilkinson he is 
placed next in rank to Washington in point of prospective usefulness. 
His whole soul was enlisted in the glorious cause of Liberty. 

MEIGS RETURN JONATHAN was a native of Middletown, Conn. 
At the commencement of the struggle for freedom he had his military 
lamp trimmed and burning brightly with the fire of patriotism. He was in 
command of a splendid company of infantry volunteers in beautiful 
uniform, well armed and eager for service. He marched to Cambridge 
immediately on receiving intelligence of the battle of Lexington. He 
was soon raised to the rank of major and endured the fatigues of the 
expedition to Quebec under Arnold. In the desperate attack on that 
fortress he commanded a battalion and was among the first who scaled 
the walls and entered the city where he was taken prisoner and was not 
exchanged until near the close of 1776. In 1777 he was made a colonel and 
performed many astonishing feats of valor. On the 23d of May of that 
year he proceeded to Sag Harbor, Long Island, with 170 men-destroyed 
12 British vessels fully laden with supplies for the army then in New 
York-killed six of the -enemy-took 90 prisoners and returned to New 
Haven without the loss of a man. For this bold and successful enter- 
prise Congress voted him an elegant sword. In 1779 he commanded 
one of the regiments under Gen. Wayne at the storming of Stony Point. 
He was a reliable man on all occasions and under the most trying cir- 
cumstances. In 1787 he was one of the pioneer colony that located at 
the mouth of the Muskingum river on the Ohio. He was their esteemed 
governor until the ofilcers of the territory arrived. He formed a code of 
legulations which were subscribed and placed upon a venerable oak where 




JSNORMEB BT i:B. WEZCH. IVfOjWJl POHTRXIT BY ITOWENLm 




^ 



/^-^^^^^^ ^^^^^ 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 457 

they were as frequently and more usefully consulted than the oracle 
Apollo at Delphi. He was a man of great philanthropy-a warm 
friend of the injured red men and accepted the agency of the Cherokee 
station. He gained the confidence and love of that noble nation who 
named him " the icliite path.'" With them he lived usefully and died 
peacefully on the 28lh of January 1823 strong in hope, rich in faith with 
a full assurance of a glorious immortality. 

MIFFLIN THOMAS commenced his earthly career in Pennsylvania 
in 1744. He was an influential Quaker until he was read out of meeting 
in 1775 because he dared strike for Liberty. He was an early, warm 
and able advocate of equal rights. He was an efficient member of the 
Congress of 1774. He was commissioned Quarter-Master-General in 
August 1775. He was one of the most successful stump-orators of that 
time. No one could more effectually excite the populace-when incited 
to action it needed a cooler head to direct the tornado and rule the storm 
of passion. He was very useful in rousing the militia to rush to the 
rescue. In 1787 he was a member of the Convention that framed the 
Federal Constitution. In October 1788 he succeeded Franklin in the 
chair of the Executive Council of the state. He aided in forming the first 
republican Constitution of Pennsylvania and was the first Governor under 
it. He was eminently useful in terminating the whisky rebellion. In 
all that he undertook he executed with great zeal and energy. His life 
was devoted to the good of his country-he filled his measure of useful- 
ness and left the theatre of life at Lancaster, Pa. on the 20th of 
January 1800. 

MILLER HENRY is first introduced as one of the bravest officers 
of the Continental army. He rose to the rank of colonel and was a thorny 
customer of the enemy when retreating through New Jersey. At 
numerous battles he was distinguished for cool and undaunted courage. 
At the battle of Monmouth he had two horses killed under him while 
leading his men to the charge. He commanded a brigade of militia at 
Baltimore the last time mother Britain attempted to chastise her truant 
child. He filled several civil offices and dignified them with old school 
civility-an article rather on the decline in these modern days of new 
fangled notions. He died at Carlisle, Pa. on the 5th of April 1824. 

MONROE JAMES commenced his busy life in Virginian in 1759. 
He entered the Continental army at the age of 17 and proved a noble 
and brave boy. He distinguished himself in the battles of Harlaem 
Heights, White Plains, Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown and Mon- 
mouth. At the latter he was aid to Gen. Sterling. At the close of 
vhe war he held the commission of Captain. He then read law with 
Thomas Jefferson-became a member of the Virginia legislature-was 
elected to Congress in 1783-in 1790 was a member of the United 
States Senate-in 1794 was minister to France-in 1799 governor of 
Virginia-in 1803 minister to France, the same year minister to Erig- 
land-in 1804 minister to Spain-in 1806 minister to England-in 1811 
Secretary of State under Madison-then Secretary of War-in 1817 
President of the United States and served two terms-labor and gl'^ry 
enough for the life of one man. James Monroe came from the search- 
ing crucible of all these responsible stations like gold seven times 
tried-free from dross and full in weight-a fact that renders the eulogy 
58 



458 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of words on his fame imbecile. He made his last bow upon the stage 
of life on the glorious 4th of July 1831 when the curtain of death 
dropped and hid him from the admiring view of a gazing world. 

MONTGOMERY RICHARD commenced his journey in this world 
of fickle spirits in the north of Ireland in 1737. He was one of the 
noblest sons of the Emerald Isle. His genius was brilliant-his educa- 
tion finished, his manners accomplished, his soul patriotic-the whole 
man wis worthy of admiration. He fought for Great Britain under 
Wolfe \nd fell on the very ground where he had joined in shouts of 
victory in 1759. He came to America to remain permanently in 
1772-purchased an estate near 100 miles above New York City-mar- 
ried a daughter of Judge Livingston and became a prominent citizen 
and a warm friend to the cause of Liberty. In 1775 he was appointed 
Major General and in conjunction with Gen. Schuyler placed over the 
northern forces. In October the illness of his colleague left liim in sole 
command. He captured Fort Chamblee, St. Johns and Montreal by 
the 12tli of November. He then proceeded to Quebec and formed a 
junction with Arnold at Point Aux Trembles. On the 1st of Decem- 
ber a siege was commenced on Quebec and continued until the 31st 
of that month. On the memorable last day of 1775 the gallant little 
band under these two ardent soldiers was led to the storming attack 
of the town in four divisions with strong fortifications to overcome and 
double their force within the walls. The first gun that was fired upon 
the division led by the gallant Montgomery kiljed him and his two 
aids. His death spread a general gloom over our land and was deeply 
lamented in the mother country. Congress caused a monument to be 
erected to his memory in front of St. Paul's church in the city of New 
York with a suitable inscription. By direction of the legislature of the 
empire state his remaitis were brought from Quebec and deposited near 
this monument on the 8th of July 1818. His widow lived to see the 
last vestiges of the husband of her youth-our nation rejoiced to have 
this noble hero repose in the bosom of our own soil. The fame of 
Gen. Montgomery is above eulogy. It will grow richer with age-time 
cannot corrode it. 

MORGAN DANIEL was a native of Durham, Bucks county, Pa. 
From there he removed to New Jersey and then to Virginia where he 
was a common laborer for some time and by his industry and economy 
saved money sufficient to ultimately purchase a farm in the county of 
Frederic. When a common laborer his company was not of the 
highest order-his habits not rigidly moral but in that company he was 
the ruling spirit. He was with Braddock when defeated by the French 
and Indians and received a wound that marked him in the face for life. 
Like many more with a rough exterior, he had a noble heart within 
him-a heart full of daring courage, patriotism and philanthropy. He 
was among the first who rushed to the standard of Washington at 
Cambridge with the commission of Captain. He was with Arnold in 
his memorable expedition to Quebec and was taken prisoner during 
the attack on that city. On being exchanged he returned and took 
command of the celebrated rifle corps that so often carried death into 
the ranks of the enemy. At the capture of Burgoyne the carnage pro- 
duced by this corps was terrific-especially among the bravest of the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 459 

British officers-contributing very largely in achieving that splendid 
victory that first rolled back the tide of war upon the conquering foe. 
Of this all seemed sensible but Gen. Gates who did not award to him 
his just share of credit in his report to Washington and Congress. For 
a time he left the service. When Gates was ordered to the command 
of the southern army he personally solicited Col. Morgan to accom- 
pany him. He was plainly referred to past improper treatment but the 
Colonel ultimately repaired to that field with the commission of Briga- 
dier General. He became the hero of the Cowpens for which Congress 
voted him a gold medal. That brilliant afl'air has been previously 
described. About that time Gen. Greene succeeded Gates. A dis- 
agreement occurred between him and Morgan as to the route to be 
taken in the retreat. Morgan took his own way-joined Greene at 
Guilford court house and then left the service. He subsequently com 
manded the Virginia troops in the campaign against the whisky boy? 
iii Pennsylvania. He was elected a member of Congress and filled 
the station with dignity. He ultimately located at Winchester, Va 
where he lived in the high esteem of his fellow citizens-became aeon 
sistent member of the Presbyterian church and died in 1799. He was 
possessed of strong common sense-a brave but sensitive soldier-a good 
citizen-a worthy and honest man. 

MORGAN JOHxN^ was born in Philadelphia in 1735 and became an 
eminent physician and sterling whig. In 1765 he was elected Pro- 
fessor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in the Medical College 
of Philadelphia. In October 1775 he was appointed chief physician 
of the hospitals of the American army. Jealousy and envy put the 
tongue of slander in motion and induced false accusations against him 
and succeeded in effecting his removal in a few months. He did not 
again enter the thorny course of public life and died at Philadelphia 
m 1789. 

MORRIS GOVERNEUR commenced his earthly pilgrimage near the 
city of New York in 1752. He was liberally educated and became an 
eloquent and sound lawyer. He was a member of the Provincial Con- 
gress of N. Y. in 1775 and on the committee that drafted the first con- 
stitution of that state. In 1777 he was a member of the Continental 
Congress-in 1781 was associated with Robert Morris as assistant super- 
intendent of Finance-in 1787 a member of the Convention that framed 
the Federal Constitution-in 1792 minister plenipotentiary to France and 
in 1800 was elected to the U. S. Senate where his extensive acquire- 
ments and (]iceronean eloquence shed fresh lustre on that body-on his 
country and his own high reputation. Mr. Sparks has published his 
speeches and writings with an interesting biographical sketch of his life. 
He was an ornament to every circle in which he moved-an honor to 
every station he filled-a particular star in the galaxy of the Sages of his 
day nnd generation. 

MOULTRIE WILLIAM was ushered upon this mundane sphere in 
England in 17ii0 and came to (•harleston, South Carolina to enjoy Free- 
dom. When mother Britain violated that inherent privilege he was among 
the first to resist the invading foe. He was a prominent member of the 
public meetings and conventions that prepared the people to vindicate their 
rights. He was appointed colonel oi one of the three regiments raised in 



460 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

his adopted state in 1775. He superintended the erection of the Fort on 
Sullivan's Island that bears his name. So hastily was it constructed and so 
slender was its formation that he was advised to abandon it on the approach 
of the British fleet. On the 28lh of June 1776 Sir Peter Parker came up 
with eight ships of war and opened a tremendous fire upon this fragile 
fortress and the presumptuous rebels. To his utter astonishment streams 
of flushing fire gleamed from the American battery-a storm of iron hail 
came crashing among his ships. Splinters flew-rigging dropped-blood 
flowed-men fell. For ten hours Sir Peter raved and foamed with anger 
and urged his men to renewed exertions. At length a rebel cannon ball 
kissed ofl'the nether part of his silk breeches which he considered a per- 
sonal reflection upon his dignity and sullenly retired with his fleet after 
having been badly cut up. This brave defence by a few raw militia 
against an overwhelming veteran force was a theme of enthusiastic praise 
throughout America and Europe. Col. Moultrie was raised to the rank 
of brigadier-general and in 1779 was made a major-general in the Con- 
tinental army. He participated in the most trying scenes of the south up 
to the surrender of Charleston on the 12th of May 1780 when he became 
a prisoner and was not exchanged until near the close of hostilities. He 
then returned to his home and aided in perfecting measures to preserve 
that Independence for which he had so nobly fought and conquered. He 
was elected governor of his state and filled several minor offices with 
usefulness and dignity. He died at Charleston S. C. on the 27th of 
September 1805. 

MUHLENBURG PETER was born in Pennsylvania in 1746. His 
father was the Patriarch of the German Lutheran church in the Keystone 
state. This son was liberally educated and became the Rector of an 
Episcopal church. He loved his flock well but loved his country and 
her freedom more. At the commencement of the struggle for Liberty 
he exchanged his gown for regimentals, his pen for the sword, his pulpit 
fur the tented field. In 1776 he received the commission of colonel- 
raised a regiment and marched it to head-quarters. The next year he 
was raised to the rank of brigadier and near the close of the war to the 
rank of major-general. He was a prudent, deliberate, brave and reliable 
officer. He had the unlimited confidence of Washington and performed 
his duty nobly on all occasions. At the siege of Yorktown he acted a 
bold and conspicuous part. After the war closed he was Vice-President 
of the Executive Council, member of the legislature, a U. S. Senator, 
Supervisor of excise and Collector of the Port of Philadelphia at the,time 
of his death which occurred on the 1st of October 1807 at his country 
seat in Montgomery Co. Pa. As a Christian, minister, soldier, general, 
civil officer, citizen, husband, father, relative and friend-he acted a noble 
part and fulfilleii the design of his creation. 

NICHOLSON JAMES was born atChestertown, Md. in 1737. He 
was a hardy son of Neptune from his youth and an uncompromising 
opponent of tyranny. When the revolutionary storm commenced he 
dared to brave its fury and tempt the bosses of its foaming surges. He 
was put in command of the armed ship Defence at the commencement 
of the war of Liberty and for a long time was a successful cruiser. Just 
before the close of the Revolution he was captured and put on l)oard a 
prison sliip at New York. He was a skilful, during, noble and vigilant 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 461 

officer. His name is worthy of a place with the Sages and Heroes of 
our Independence. He died in 1806. 

OGDEN MATTHIAS was a brave colonel in the Continental army 
and among the first in the field of military glory. He passed through 
the wilderness to Quebec with Arnold and was carried from the 
walls of that city severely wounded on the day of the unfortunate attack 
by the Americans. He served to the close of the war with credit to 
himself and usefulness to his country. Near the termination of the Revo- 
lution he was raised to the rank of brigadier-general. He was a man 
highly honorable in all things and under all circumstances-liberal, 
charitable and honest. He died at Elizabethtown N. J. on the 31st of 
March 1791. 

OLNEY JEREMIAH commenced his exemplary life in Rhode Island 
in 1750. He was remarkable for mildness and an abundant share of the 
milk of human kindness and just as remarkable for his undaunted bravery 
in the field of battle and unshaken firmness in the cause of Freedom. 
He was much admired by Washington and frequently led the Rhode 
Island line to victory. He participated in the dangers and glory of the 
battles of Springfield, Monmouth, Red Bank and Yorktown. Subsequent 
to the war he was Collector of the Port of Providence and President of 
the Society of Cincinnati of his native state. No man enjoyed more 
fully the affection of all who knew him-no one more richly merited it. 
He died at his residence on the 10th of Nov. 1812. 

ORR JOHN was born in New Hampshire in 1748. He was an 
officer under the brave and independent Stark and so severely wounded 
in one of his legs at the battle of Bennington that he was crippled for 
life. He was a man of strong intellect and filled several judicial and 
legislative offices with ability and strict fidelity He had the respect and 
confidence of his fellow citizens through life and was sincerely mourned 
at his death which occurred, at Bedford, N. H. in 1823. 

PAINE THOMAS commenced his eventful life in England in 1737. 
He pursued the business of stay maker for some time in London-then 
went to sea in a British privateer-was subsequently an excise man and 
a grocer. On learning the situation of the American Colonies from 
Franklin he became deeply interested in their behalf and came to this 
country in 1775 when his intellectual powers suddenly burst into a blaze 
of light. His vigorous essays and eloquent speeches in favor of American 
Independence did much towards consummating that glorious event. Had 
he published or said nothing against that religion which is held sacred 
by the great mass of our nation he would have remained as he was at 
first-one of the most popular political men of that time. If professing/ 
Christians all honored the religion of the cross infidelity would be robbed 
of its richest aliment. Hypocrites, degenerate and lukewarm church 
members, bigoted sectarians, dogmatical dictators, deluded fanatics-are 
all caterers tor infidelity. The editor of the Cottage Bible remarks in 
commenting on the 19lh chap, of Judges-" More inhumanity and villany 
may be found among degenerate professors of Christianity than among 
infidels and in general where we expect the most kindness we meet with 
the greatest injuries." This remark is painfully true but is not an argument 
against primitive Christianity. If we had no pure coin or solvent banks, 
counterfeit notes and bogus money could not be circulated. If Christianity 



462 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

was not essentially good, hypocrites would be left without a motive to pro- 
fess it. Aside from the question of its divine origin, as a system of social 
order-as the foundation of rational liberty and moral rectitude-as a system 
imparting the greatest amount of happiness to the greatest number-it rises 
sublimely above all others. This is conceded by the ablest infidel writers. 
[ refer to primitive Christianity as taught and practised by the immacu- 
late Redeemer and his disciples. As this is not-cannot be denied, com- 
mon sense dictates that all should practice at least its moral precepts if 
only upon the ground of self-preservation and interest which are ever 
dependent upon social order and good government. Thomas Paine took 
an active part in the French Revolution-was a member of the National 
Assembly-incurred the displeasure of Robespierre-fled to escape the 
guillotine-returned to America and died in the city of New York in 
1809 not in a quiescent state of mind. 

PARSONS SAMUEL HOLDEN was a citizen of Connecticut and 
an eminent lawyer. When the Revolution commenced he left his office 
for the tented field resolved on Liberty or death. His zeal and daring 
courage gained for him the commission of major-general. He had the 
unlimited confidence of Washington-the esteem of his fellow officers- 
the love of his brave soldiers-the admiration of his numerous acquain- 
tances-the gratitude of his bleeding country. His useful career was 
cut short by his being drowned near Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1789. 

PAULDING JOHN was born in the Slate of New York in 1732. 
He was a brave soldier and rose from the ranks to the grade of major 
after he aided in the capture of Major Andre. For that noble act the 
names of Paulding, Williams and Van Wert are embalmed in the af- 
fections of every patriot whilst the name of the traitor Arnold rouses a 
manly indignation in the bosom of every man who loves his country. 
His portrait will darken as time rolls on. For this important capture 
Congress passed a highly complimentary resolution on the 3d of No- 
vember 1780 and made the following order which was placed upon the 
records. " That each of them receive annually, out of the public trea- 
sury, two hundred dollars in specie or an equivalent in the current 
money of these States, during life and that the Board of War procure 
for each of them a silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield 
with this inscription-' Fidelity' and on the other the following motto- 
' Vhicit amor patrice' [the love of our country prevails] and forward 
them to the commander-in-chief, who is requested to present the same, 
with a copy of this resolution and the thanks of Congress for their fide- 
lity and the eminent service they have rendered their country." Maj. 
Paulding died at Staatsburgh, Duchess County, N. Y. on the 30th of 
December 1819. 

PETERS NATHAN was a native of Connecticut and a bold de- 
fender of his country's rights. On the morning after the cry-" To 
arms! to arms T sounded in his ears and ran through his soul like vivid 
lightning he was on his way to the field of battle. He rose rapidly from 
the grade of lieutenant to that of major and became one of the boldest 
of the bold. He fought bravely at Long Island, Frog's Point, Trenton, 
Princeton and in every place where he met the enemy in mortal com- 
bat. On the 6th of September 1781, before Arnold left Fort Gris- 
wold, he caused a slow train of powder to be set on fire communicating 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 463 

With the magazine. Just before reaching the volcanic mass Major 
Peters rushed into the fort and prevented a destructive explosion. No 
dangers prevented him from the prompt performance of every duty. 
At the close of the successful struggle for freedom he resumed the prac- 
tice of law at New London where he lived in the high esteem of his 
friends and his country to a ripe old age. He was a sound lawyer, a 
safe counsellor, a brave soldier, a good citizen-AN honest man. 

PETERS RICHARD was born in the balmy month of June in 1744. 
He was educated at Philadelphia and became an eminent member of the 
bar of that city. Understanding the rights of his country and the ad- 
vantages of freedom he determined to maintain them at all hazards. In 
1776 he was made secretary to the Board of War and faithfully per- 
formed the arduous duties of that important station until 1781 when he 
was elected a member of Congress and continued in that august body 
to the close of hostilities. He was appointed the first United States 
District Judge for Pennsylvania aqd highly honored that dignified sta- 
tion for thirty-six consecutive years. His decisions in the Court of 
Admiralty form the foundation on which our superstructure of that 
branch of jurisprudence is raised. This platform was adopted by the 
celebrated maritime judge Lord Stowell of Eng!and-a high compliment 
to the judicial acumen of Judge Peters. He was deservediv popular 
because scrupulously impartial, rigidly just and proverbial for "humanity 
and kindness. In his performance of all the public and private duties 
of life he was a luminous example of human excellence worthy of ad- 
miration and imitation. He was a liberal patron of public improve- 
ments and did much to improve agriculture. He died at his residence 
in August 1828. 

PETTIT CHARLES was born in New Jersey in 1737. He was a 
sensible lawyer and opposed to the usurpations of the hirelings of mo- 
ther Britain although himself secretary of his native province when the 
revolutionary storm commenced its pitiless peltings. Congress made 
him a deputy quartermaster under Gen. Greene in conjunction with 
Col. (voxe. They performed the perplexing and arduous duties of that 
responsible office whilst Gen. Greene was in the field to the entire satis- 
faction of Washington, the army and Congress-a high encomium upon 
their perseverance and activity when we reflect upon their limited 
means to perform a mighty work. At the close of the Revolution he 
removed to Philadelphia and became a successful merchant. He was 
a member of Congress from Pennsylvania under the old Confederation- 
a member of the State Convention that sanctioned the Federal Consti- 
tution and in every public station which he was called to fill he per- 
formed his duty with the strictest integrity and great industry. His 
private virtues rendered him dear to every good man. He was presi- 
dent of the first insurance company incorporated in Philadelphia. He 
died at his residence on the 6th of September 1806. 

PICKERING TIMOTHY commenced his infancy at Salem, Mass. 
in 1746. He was favored with a classical education and superior ta- 
lents. He took an early and active part in the cause of equal rights 
and rendered efficient service in organizing the new government of his 
native State. He was made a judge of the Common Pleas and Mari- 
time courts-adjutant-general of the United States army and a member 



464 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of the Board of War. From 1790 to '98 he negotiated several .reaties 
with sundry tribes of Indians. Under President Washington he was 
in succession Postmaster General, Secretary of War and Secretary of 
State. From 1803 to 1811 he was a member of the United States Se- 
nate-from 1814 to '17 was a representative in Congress. Few men of 
his time performed more public work-no one acted with more fidelity 
and faithfulness. He was an able judge, a firm patriot, a judicious 
legislator, an efficient officer-a credit to his State-an honor to our na- 
tion and in all respects a worthy man. He died in Salem, Mass. in 
1829. 

PICKENS ANDREW commenced his earthly existence in Bucks 
County, Pa. on the 13th of September 1739. When Andrew was a 
child his father removed to Augusta County, Va. and then to Waxhaw, 
in South Carolina. Andrew commenced a brilliant military career in 
the French war-served with Marion and Moultrie in 1761 in the san- 
guinary expedition against the Cherokees under Lieut. Col. Grant and 
became a hardy frontier warrior. When mother Britain became inso- 
lent and oppressive he was as ready to fight as he had been to serve 
her. He became a terror to the refugees alias Tories. At Kettle Creek 
he pounced upon an army of them under Col. Boyd of double his force 
and flogged them so severely that they were quiet until the British army 
afterwards spread over the south. At the Cowpens he commanded the 
militia and inspired them with the courage of veteran regulars. Con- 
gress voted him a sword for his gallantry on that occasion. At Eutaw 
he commanded the Carolina militia in conjunction with Marion. He 
was severely wounded in the breast by a musket ball early in the action 
and but for the buckle of his sword belt would have been shot through. 
When Charleston surrendered he was obliged to flee before the enemy 
to North Carolina and was among the first to rally under the indomita- 
ble Greene. In 1781 he commanded the last expedition against the 
Cherokees and laid the foundations of the peace that has never since 
been broken. Through the entire course of his military career he stood 
approved by his superiors and beloved by those under his command. 
He rose to the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army and was 
made major-general of militia in 1794. At the close of the war he filled 
several civil offices and aided essentially in consummating the treaty of 
Hopewell with the Cherokees to which place he removed soon after. 
He was a member of the convention that formed the Constitution of his 
State-a member of the legislature and in 1794 was elected to Congress. 
In 1797 he was returned to the legislature of his State where he re- 
mained fourteen consecutive years. He was a commissioner in all the 
treaties with the southern Indians. In this department Washington 
considered him the most useful man of that time. He took a deep inte- 
rest in the war of 1812 and was that year governor of his State. He 
then retired to private life full of honors and years with a fame that 
will grow richer as it shall be rehearsed by each succeeding genera- 
tion. His private character was as spotless as his public life was bril- 
liant. He died at his residence on the 11th of October 1817. 

PORTER ANDREW was born in Worcester, Montgomery County, 
Pa. on the 24th of September 1743. Without the advantages of a school 
education he became an eminent mathematician by the force ol his own 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ~ 465 

genius and industry. When the Revohition commenced he was at the 
head of a large mathematical school in the city of Philadelphia. Deem- 
ing the cause of Liberty paramount to all other interests he tendered 
his services to Congress and on the lOth of June 1776 he was made a 
captain of marines and placed on board the frigate Effingham. He was 
shortly after transferred to the artillery corps where he made himself 
extremely useful during the whole period of the war. He was ulti- 
mately raised to the rank of Colonel and commanded the 4th Pennsyl- 
vania regiment of artillery. He distributed iron hail effectually at the 
battles of Trenton, Princeton, Germantown and Brandywine. At Ger- 
mantown he received the thanks of Gen. Washington on the field for 
his skill and undaunted courage. He was with Gen. Sullivan in his 
expedition against the Indians on the Susquehanna. It was Col. Porter 
■who suggested to Gen. Clinton the plan of raising the water of Otsego 
Lake by a dam at its narrow outlet which produced a flood sufficient 
to float his troops on rafts to Tioga Point where they formed a junction 
with Sullivan. When the siege of Yorktown was planned Gen. Wash- 
ington placed Col. Porter in charge of the military laboratory in Phila- 
delphia to prepare the shells, cartridges, &c. for that important occasion. 
Although deprived the pleasure of being at the siege he had the high 
honor of preparing the thunder and hail that terminated the sanguinary 
conflict. Subsequent to the war he was one of the commissioners to 
run a line by astronomical observations between Pennsylvania and the 
adjoining States. He succeeded Gen. Muhlenberg as major-general of 
inilitia. Governor Snyder appointed him surveyor-general of the State 
of Pennsylvania in 1809 which office he ably filled until the 16thof A^o- 
vember 1813 when he left earth for a fairer, brighter world on high. 
He was buried in the Presbyterian church-yard at Harrisburg with mi- 
litary honors. 

PREBLE EDWARD commenced his earthly career at Portland, 
Maine, on the 15th of August 1761. From his youth he gloried in 
hazardous enterprises. At the age of eighteen he became a midshipman 
on board the Protector of 26 guns commanded by the brave Capt. John 
Forster Williams. On his first cruise young Preble had the proud satis- 
faction of contributing to the capture of the Admiral Duff of 36 guns 
after a brief but sanguinary action which so injured the British vessel 
that she sunk in a few moments with 40 of her crew. In the second 
cruise the Protector was captured and most of the officers taken to 
England. Preble was permitted to return and was made first lieutenant 
on board the sloop of war Winthrop. Shortly after that he took a party 
of brave tars in the night and captured a British armed brig lying in 
Penobscot Bay and of superior force to the Winthrop. This was ac- 
complished with fourteen men dressed in white frocks. The brig lay 
near the shore and a large number of the enemy jumped overboard as 
the shrouded tars gained the deck and made for land where lay a con- 
siderable British force with artillery. Amidst a brisk fire Preble towed 
out his prize and moored her safely along side of the Winthrop. He 
continued on this ship till the close of the war. In 1801 he commanded 
the frigate Essex-in 1804 was made a commodore and placed in charge 
of the Mediterranean fleet of seven sail which prepared the way for 
^ilacing the Bashaw of Tripoli upon his proper level and induced him 
59 



466 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

to enter upon an honorable peace and relinquish all claims to a tribute. 
This act placed Com. Preble high on the list of naval heroes. He 
died on the 25th of August 1807. 

PRESCOTT WILLIAM was born at Goshen, Massachusetts in 
1726. He early engaged in the service of mother Britain and acted a 
distinguished part at the capture of Cape Breton in 1758. He was a 
Colonel of militia when the war commenced and one of the first in the 
field. He commanded at the sanguinary battle at Bunker's and 
Breed's Hill on the 17th of June 1775. With 1.200 men hastily col- 
lected and with a temporary breast-work-made principally by excavat- 
ing a shallow ditch and placing two rail fences parallel near each other 
and filling the interval with fresh mowed grass-he continued to re- 
pulse 5000 veteran troops, with a slaughter equalled only at the battle 
of New Orleans, until his ammunition was expended when he retreated 
with a loss of 453 men-kilUng 1054 of the enemy. Col. Prescott then 
entered the regular service and continued in the army until 1777 and 
then resigned. He was a volunteer at the capture of Burgoyne and 
rendered essential service. After the Revolution he served in the 
legislature and filled various civil offices with fidelity. He was brave, 
noble, generous and humane. In his "Memoirs" Gen. Lee beauti- 
fnlly remarks-" When future generations shall inquire where are the 
men who gained the brightest prize of glory in the arduous contest 
which ushered in our nation's birth ? Upon Prescott and his com- 
panions in arms will the eye of history beam. The military annals of 
the world rarely furnish an achievement which equals the firmness and 
courage displayed on that proud day by the gallant band of Americans 
and it" certainly stands first in the brilliant events of the war." Col. 
Prescott died in 1795 sincerely mourned. 

PRIOLEAU SAMUEL was a native of Charleston, South Carolina, 
born in 1743 and among the first of that noble band of patriots who 
resolved on Liberty or death. He was in active service until taken 
prisoner at the surrender of his native city. He was then taken to the 
castle at St. Augustine and treated with great cruelty. His wife with 
five children fled to Philadelphia. He possessed great firmness and 
was emphatically a true patriot-a good citizen-an honest man. He 
died at Charleston on the 23d of March 1813. 

PULASKI COUNT was a native of Poland and put forth his 
noblest eff"orts to redeem her from thraldom. In 1771 he called around 
him a few brave spirits-penetrated the capitol and carried away King 
Stanislaus in the face of his petrified guards. He soon made his escape 
and proclaimed Pulaski an outlaw. He then came to America and 
was created a Brigadier General. Being unacquainted with our lan- 
guage he could not command to advantage but no one could better 
■lead a column of cavalry in a charge. He served some time at the 
north and "was then transferred to the south and fell at Savannah 
boldly charging the enemy with his daring dragoons. His noble bear- 
ing, polished in-banity, open frankness and amiable disposition had 
gained the admiration of all who knew him-his patriotism, bravery 
and unwavering love of Liberty placed his name upon the records of 
unfading glory. 

PUTNAM ISRAEL commenced his eventful hfe at Salem, Mass. 



OF THE AMERICAN 11 EVOLUTION. 467 

on the 7th of January 1718. He was a man of iron constitution and 
herculean powers. He served motlier Britain faithfully in the French 
war and had many hair breadth escapes. He was taken prisoner and 
nearly burned to death by the savages. He was rescued by a French 
officer. His great feat with a wolf is familiar to every school boy. 
His manner of capturing an armed vessel when under Gen. Amherst 
was as novel as it was simple and successful. With four others he 
proceeded under her stern in the night-drove several wedges between 
the rudder and hull which placed her at the mercy of the wind-she 
drifted on shore and was easily captured the next morning. 

When the war cry from Lexington reached his ears he left his 
plough in the furrow-mounted his horse-rode 100 miles in a single 
day to reach the scene of action-was soon created a Major General 
and carried more original thunder than any other man in the army. 
His voice could be heard above the roar of battle. He was in the 
sanguinary affair at Bunker's Hill and had charge of erecting the tem- 
porary fortifications. . He was at the battle of Long Island-superin- 
tended the fortifications at Philadelphia and in all his duties manifested 
an energy and skill that placed him high in the estimation of every 
patriot. In the spring of 1777 he was placed in command of the troops 
at the High Lands. A refugee Lieutenant was detected in his camp 
as a spy. Governor Tryon wrote him to at once liberate the officer 
or he would give him particular thunder. Old Put replied thus 
laconically. 

"SiR-Nathan Palmer, a Lieutenant in your king's service, was taken 
in my camp as a spy-he was tried as a spy-he was condemned as a 
spy and he shall be hanged as a spy. 



" P. S. Afternoon. He is hanged. 



" Israel Putnam." 



Gen Pntnan was the founder of West Point. Whilst superintending 
the fortifications at that place he was disabled from further duty by an 
attack of paralysis. This did not impair his mental powers or disturb 
the equanimity and cheerfulness of his mind or prevent him from being 
a pleasant, amusing and interesting companion. He lived at Brook- 
line Cotm. in the enjoyment of the gratitude of a nation of freemen 
until the 29th of May 1790 when his soul left its tenement of clay and 
returned to its Creator. He was truly an honest man. On the 16th 
of June 1776 he spurned a princely bribe that was tendered to him by 
Sir William Howe. 

PUTNAM RUFUSwas born in Sutton, Mass. in 173S. At the 
age of 16 he commenced serving mother Britain in the French war 
and proved a gallant soldier. In the Continental army he was the 
principal engineer with the rank of Brigadier General. He was at the 
head of the Ohio Company for the purpose of settling the North West 
Territory. On the 7th of April 1788 he planted about forty emigrants 
at Marietta on the Ohia river. In 1789 he was appointed a judge of 
the Supreme Court of that territory-in 1791 a Brig. General in the 
army of the United States under Gen. Wayne and in 1795 Surveyor 
General of the United States which office he held until towards the close 



468 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

of Jefferson's administration. He adorned all the virtues that dignify 
the man and crowned his hfe with a consistent course of primitive 
piety. He continued to reside at Marietta until the 4th of May 1824 
when his happy spirit soared to realms of unending bliss beyond 
the skies. 

RAMSAY DAVID was ushered into life at Lancaster, Pa. in 1749. 
He was thoroughly educated and became an eminent physician. After 
a brief residence in Cecil County, Md. he removed to Charleston, S. C. 
in 1773. He was an ardent patriot and was commissioned a surgeon in 
the Continental army. At the surrender of his adopted city he was 
among the prisoners who were sent to St. Augustine. In 1782 he was 
elected a member of Congress and continued there up to 178G except one 
year. A part of that time he was President of that body. He became 
an able historian and has enriched our libraries with a history of the 
Revolution-of South Carolina-of America and a biography of Washing- 
ton and several other interesting publications. He stood at the head of 
his profession in Charleston. In 1815 he was called into court to give 
evidence relative to an insane man who followed him in a rage and killed 
him on the street. 

RANDOLPH EDMUND was a native of Virginia and an eminent 
member of the Bar. He aided largely in giving an impetus to the revo- 
lutionary ball and was among the boldest patriots who early resolved to cut 
the maternal cords that bound the American Colonies to mother Britain. 
He was a member of Congress in 1779-subsequently Governor of 
Virginia- Attorney-General of the United States and for a time Secretary 
under Washington whose confidence he lost in 1795 for reasons not on 
the record. He lived in the esteem of his friends until 1813 when he 
quietly retired to the spirit world. 

RANDOLPH PEYTON was a native of Virginia and early engaged 
in the border wars. He was a good lawyer and Attorney-General under 
the crown as early as 1748. He became a prominent legislator and 
was among the first and boldest to expose and oppose British oppression. 
He was prudent but firm. He threw his whole soul into the cause of 
Liberty. In all the preliminary meetings of the Old Dominion he was a 
leading member and a perfect regulator among those whose zeal some- 
times led them beyond the orbit of sound discretion. He was President 
of the important Congress of 1774 and added to the dignity of the pro- 
ceedings of that august assemblage of Sages. He was returned to Con- 
gress the next year but was detained as speaker in the legislature of his 
state until late in the session. On the 21st of October 1775 he attended 
a dinner party at the house of a friend and while there fell from his seat 
in a fit of apoplexy and expired in a few moments. His body was taken 
to Viiginia and interred. Thus prematurely was extinguished one of 
the bright luminaries that illuminated the horizon and dawn of the Revo- 
tion. His loss was deeply deplored. 

REED JOSEPH was born in New Jersey on the 27th of August 
1741. He became a distinguished member of the Philadelphia Bar 
where he was pursuing a lucrative practice when he was called to aid 
in the emancipation of his country. He was a member of the committee 
of correspondence, President of the Provincial Convention and member 
of Congress. In 1775 he repaired to Cambridge where he was made an 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 469 

Aid and Secretary of Washington. In 1776 he was adjutant-general of 
the army and acted a brave and useful part at Trenton, Princeton and irj 
every battle under Washington. During the campaign of 1777 he was 
constantly in the field. He had a horse killed under him at Monmouth, 
Brandywine and White Marsh but was preserved from a wound in the 
numerous hard fought battles at which he was present. The following 
answer to a proposition of bribery from the British Governor Johnstone 
is attributed to him and has been claimed for another. " I am not worth 
purchasing but such as I am the king of Great Britain is not rich enough 
to buy me." Nor was she rich enough to buy the humble soldiers who 
captured Andre. In 1778 Gen. Reed was elected President of the 
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania which station he held for 
three consecutive years and was very efficient in the work of infusing a 
proper spirit in the militia of his state. He filled every place he occupied 
with great zeal and ability. He was the man to be substantially useful 
wherever duty called him. He wore himself out in the service of his 
country and died in Philadelphia on the 5th of March 1785 in the very 
prime of life and when on the flood tide of an enduring fame. 

REVERE PAUL was born in Massachussetts in 1735. It was he 
who carried the express from Gen. Warren to Messrs. Adams and Han- 
cock the evening previous to the battle of Lexington. He was a colonel 
of militia and a devoted patriot. He was in the unfortunate Penobscot 
expedition in the summer of 1779. His was a life of purity and stern 
ntegrity. He died in Boston in 1818. 

SARGENT WINTHROP was a native of Massachusetts and 
graduated at Harvard College in 1771. With all the circumstances of 
his life before him, the historian could present him to the admiring reader 
in a blaze of glory. Thousands of the noble actors on the stage of the 
Revolution have passed away without a place on the historic page. 
From the commencement to the close of the long and sanguinary struggle 
for Independence he was actively and honorably engaged in the military 
field. In 1786 he was appointed Surveyor of the North Western Terri- 
tory and in 1787 Secretary of that government. He was adjutant- 
general of the army of Gen. St. Clair in his disastrous expedition against 
the Indians and of the army of Gen. Wayne when he conquered the same 
red men who had defeated St. Clair. He was subsequently Governor of 
Mississippi. In all the duties of public and private life he acquitted him- 
self nobly and fulfilled the design of his creation. He died in 1820. 

SCAMMEL ALEXANDER commenced his infancy in Mendon, 
Mass. about 1748. He was liberally educated and excelled in mathe- 
matics-strong evidence of an analyzing mind. He was among the first 
and the last in the war field of the Revolution. In 1775 he was made a 
brigade-major and the next year a colonel in the line of Continental 
troops raised by New Hampshire. At the battle of Saratoga in 1777 he 
commanded the 3d regiment and was severely wounded. He was sub- 
sequently appointed adjutant-general of the American army and was 
generally beloved. As this did not lead him into the din of battle and 
clash of arms he resigned and took command of a regiment of infantry. 
On the 30th of September 1781 he was examining the position of the 
enemy at Yorktown-was suddenly sprang upon and captured. After he 
had surrendered the barbarous foe gave him a mortal wound which 



470 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

terminated his brilliant career at Williamsburg, Va. on the 6th of October 
1781. The death of no officer was more deeply lamented-no one of his 
grade deserved better of his country and his friends. 

ST. CLAIR ARTHUR was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland. He 
was a Lieutenant under Wolfe and served through the French war. 
He subsequently located in Pennsylvania, became naturalized and 
took a deep interest in the prosperity of his adopted country. He was 
President of the Cincinnati Society of his state. At the commence- 
ment of the Revolution he espoused the cause of Freedom and in 1777 
was commissioned a Major General. His military laurels increased 
and rested gracefully upon him during the war with mother Britain. 
In 17S5 he was elected a member of Congress and in 1787 was Presi- 
dent of that body. He was the first governor of the North West Ter- 
ritory. In 1790 he was put in command of the memorable expedition 
against the Miami Indians. On the 4th of November 1791 he met 
them in mortal combat and was defeated with the loss of many brave 
officers and soldiers who had braved the fury of the Revolutionary 
storm unscathed. By many he was censured-how^ justly is not a sub- 
ject to be discussed in this place," That he was a brave and skilful 
officer when opposed to regular troops he had fully proved. Brad- 
dock had done the same. To fight the red man on his own ground is 
a very different affair. It is reasonable to presume that his disastrous 
defeat arose from an ignorance of Indian warfare-not from any want 
of courage or an ignorance of regular military tactics. On his return 
he resigned his military commission. He was severely pierced by the 
keen arrows of poverty during his latter years. He died in 1818. 

SCHAICK GOSEN VAN commenced his mortal career at Albany, 
New York in 1737. He entered the British army in 1756 with the 
commission of Lieutenant and served mother Britain faithfully to the 
end of the French war at which time he had reached the rank of Lieut. 
Colonel. Had he not been a superior officer he could not have attained 
that rank among Englishmen. At the first sound of the war cry in 
1775 he was on hand ready for action and spent his life and fortune 
in the cause of Fkeedom. He was placed in command of the first 
regiment of the New York line and ultimately rose to the rank of Brig. 
General of the regular army. He fought bravely at Monmouth and 
other places and had the high esteem of Washington. In 1779 he 
commanded the successful expedition against the Onondaga Indians 
for which Congress passed a resolution of most hearty thanks. Gen. 
Schaick did honor to his country and to every station in which he 
moved. He was an able officer, a good citizen-an honest man and 
repaired to his final rest in 1784. 

SCHUYLER PHILIP was born in New England in 1732. He 
was commissioned a Major General and had no superior in energy, 
vigilance and courage. For some tmie previous to the approach of 
Burgoyne he ably discharged the multifarious duties of the northern 
command. When that proud General advanced he found traces of 
Schuyler's industry at every point and his scouts in all directions. 
Bridges were demolished-the roads blocked with trees-the navigation of 
Wood creek deranged-supplies removed and his army kept in constant 
alarm by the light troops of Schuyler who laid the foundation of the 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 471 

victory that virtually saved our Independence. This opinion was often 
expressed by a revered uncle of mine who was with Schuyler during 
all his services in the north. At the very time this General was pre- 
pared to snatch the laurels of victory from Burgoyne's brow and place 
them on his own-Gates superseded him. He loved his country too 
well to be governed by the strict rules of military etiquette at that 
momentous point of time. He surrendered the command to him with 
all the papers and information he had acquired, with these burning 
remarks-" I have done all that could be done, as far as the means were 
in my power, to injure the enemy and to inspire confidence in the 
soldiers of our army and I flatter myself with some success-but the 
palm of victory is denied me and it is left to you, General, to reap the 
fruits of my labor. I will not fail to second your views and my devo- 
tion to my country will cause me, with alacrity, to obey your orders." 
This language would have been more terrible to me tlian a thousand 
crashing thunder bolts. It would have taken more than the laurels 
of Saratoga to heal the deep gashes my mind would have received 
from this keen sarcasm of the injured but patriotic and magnanimous 
Schuyler. A sarcastic remark from Schuyler to Gen. Burgoyne when 
dining with Gates soon after the surrender is worthy of record. The 
British General had caused Schuyler's house to be reduced to ashes 
and attempted an apology which was interrupted by the other-" Make 
no excuses General. I feel myself more than compensated by the 
pleasure of meeting you at this table." Gen. Schuyler was in all 
respects a first rate man. Jealously had put slander in motion against 
him which was the reason he was superseded. "Investigation cleared 
away the fog from the minds of those in power but did not heal the 
wounds in his. He was subsequently a member of the Continental 
Congress and served 12 years in the United States Senate under the 
Federal Constitution. He died in 1S04. 

SEDGEWICK THEODORE began his earthly career at Hartford 
Conn, in 1746. He became a strong lawyer and firm supporter of the 
cause of Liberty. He was frequently in the legislature of Massachu- 
setts and a member of the Continental Congress. He was a member 
of the convention of his adopted state that sanctioned the Federal 
Constitution and was subsequently a member of the United States 
Senate. At the end of his term he was placed upon the Supreme 
Bench of Massachusetts and dignified his station until 1S13 when he 
was summoned from earth and its toils to the dread tribunal of the 
great Jehovah. 

SERGEANT JONATHAN DICKINSON was born at Princeton, 
New Jersey in 1746. He became an eminent lawyer and a strong 
advocate for American rights. He was elected a member of Congress 
in February 1776 and conthiued in that body until July 1777 when he 
was made Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Why he did not sign 
the Declaration of Independence is a problem I should like to see 
solved. In the Connecticut controversy he was employed by his 
adopted state to advocate her interests. When the yellow fever raged 
at Philadelphia in 1793 he was a very efficient member in the Board 
of Health and fell a victim to that fearful disease in October. His 
private virtues shone conspicuously through his whole life-his country, 



472 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

the poor, the widow and the orphan deeply mourned his premature 
death. 

SMALL WOOD WILLIAM was a citizen of Maryland and a brave 
Brigadier General in the Continental army-a member of the old Con- 
gress and governor of his state. In every station and in all the depart- 
ments of life he performed his whole duty and enjoyed the love and 
confidence of his friends and country until 1792 when he cancelled the 
debt of nature and descended peacefully to the tomb. 

STEUBEN FRANCIS WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BARON DE com- 
menced his noble life in Prussia in 1733. He became perfect master 
of military tactics at an early age in the Prussian army-was an Aid 
to Frederic the great with the rank of Lieutenant General and was in 
constant service in his native land until he embarked for America. 
He landed in New Hampshire in 1777 and was soon after appointed 
Inspector General of the American army with the rank of Major 
General. With untiring industry and great energy he rapidly intro- 
duced an effective system of discipline, tactics and evolutions, that 
essentially improved the whole army and rendered it much more effi- 
cient in the field. He participated in the battle of Monmouth and had 
charge of the entrenchments at the siege of Yorktown. At the con- 
clusion of peace his valuable services were partially rewarded in the 
grant of a farm by the state of New Jersey and 16000 acres of land 
in Oneida county New York granted by that state. He died on his 
farm near New York city November 28th 1794. 

STRONG CALEB was born at Northampton, Mass. in 1744. He 
was a profound counsellor at the bar of his native town-an able advo- 
cate in the cause of Independence. He was a prominent member of 
the Committee of Safety that was virtually the government of the State 
for some time. He was a member of the legislature and fearlessly 
espoused the cause of Liberty. He was a member of the convention 
that framed the Constitution of Massachusetts and of the one that 
formed that of the United States. He was elected to the United States 
Senate and was governor of his native State eleven years. He was 
an efficient public officer, a devoted patriot, an esteemed citizen-an ho- 
nest man. He died in 1820 sincerely mourned by his country and most 
deeply regretted by those who knew him best. 

SULLIVAN JOHN entered on his earthly career in Maine in 1741. 
His father came from that country called by Aristotle and Strabo Irene- 
by Caesar, Tacitus and Pliny, Hibernia-hy Mela and others Juverna-a\\ 
of which names may be traced to the original-Zr, Eri, Erin-now called 
Ireland. Gen. Sullivan left a lucrative practice at the bar and was com- 
missioned a brigadier-general in 1775 and the next year was raised to 
the rank of major-general. On the 4th of June 1776 he superseded Ar- 
nold in Canada and on the death of Gen. Thomas he was left in com- 
mand of all the American troops then there. Owing to the illness of 
Gen. Greene Sullivan was put in command of his division on Long Island 
and was taken prisoner at the battle on the 27th of August. On the 
22d of August 1777 he planned a successful expedition against Staten 
Island. He acted a brave part at the battles of Brandywine, German- 
town and in every place where he was engaged. In 1778 he was 
placed in command of the troops at Rhode Island and commenced a 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 473 

siege on Newport in August of that year in anticipation of the co-ope- 
rating aid of the French fleet which was prevented by a storm. This 
compelled him to raise the siege at once and retreat from a superior 
force which he effected with consummate skill and success after repuls- 
ing the pursuing enemy on the 29th of that month. The next year he 
commanded the successful but cruel expedition against the Six Nations 
of Indians. He penetrated the very heart of their country, killed and 
captured considerable numbers, burnt eighteen of their towns, many of 
their isolated wigwams-destroyed 160,000 bushels of their corn, all 
their vegetables, fruits and everything that could be found to sustain 
life. The expedition was suggested in consequence of the Wyoming 
massacre. It can be sanctioned by the law of retaliation-no other. 
Gen. Sullivan was subsequently a member of the Continental Congress 
for three years-president of New Hampshire and in 1789 was ap- 
pointed a judge of the District Court which oflice he dignified until the 
23d of January 1795 when he cancelled the debt of nature and slum- 
bered in death. He was very efficient in quelling Shay's insurrection. 
In every sphere of life he exhibited talents of a high order and left a 
public fame and private reputation untarnished by corruption. 

SULLIVAN JAMES was born at Berwick, Me. in 1744. He be- 
came a bright ornament of the bar and an able advocate of the cause 
of freedom. He was an active member of the legislature-of the Pro- 
vincial Congress and of the Continental Congress. He was a judge of 
Probate and in 1790 was appointed attorney-general of his State. In 
1807-8 he was elected governor of Massachusetts and died in Decem- 
ber 1808. He was an admirable model of human excellence, adorned 
those qualities that dignify a man and crowned his life with the lucid 
exemplification of primitive Christianity. 

STEVENS EDWARD commenced his earthly career in Culpepper 
County, Va. and his bold military achievements at the battle of the 
Great Bridge near Norfolk, Va. where he commanded the rifie batta- 
lion with a bravery and skill that elicited general commendation. Soon 
after that he was placed in command of the 10th Virginia regiment and 
repaired to the headquarters of Washington. At the battle of Brandy- 
wine his skill and courage in covering the retreat of the Americans 
astonished friends and foes and saved the army from capture. At the 
action of Germantown his gallantry was publicly applauded by Wash- 
ington upon the field of glory. He was subsequently placed in com- 
mand of the Virginia Brigade and fought with great bravery at Cam- 
den under Gates, at Guilford Court House under Greene and at the siege 
of Yorktown under Washington. From the formation of the republican 
Constitution of Virginia to 1790 he was constantly a member of her 
legislature. He was a man of untarnished reputation, substantial talent 
and usefulness. His patriotism soared above all party considerations- 
he could not be swayed by demagogues. He went for his whole coun- 
try-the Constitution and our UNION for ever. He looked upon the 
Federal Constitution as the Jews did upon their ark-the repository of 
the safeguards and glory of our Republic. He closed his useful life at 
his residence in Culpepper, Va. on the 17th day of August 1820-ripe in 
years and full of honors. 

THOMAS JOHN was reared in Kingston, Mass. He was a brave 
60 



474 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

officer in the service of England during the Frencli \\r>v. He was one 
of the first who rushed to the battle field in 1775. At the siege of 
Boston-on the heights of Dorchester-in every place where duty called 
him he acted a bold and noble part. He was soon raised to the rank 
of brigadier-general and ordered to Canada to take command of the 
troops who had survived the fatigues of the campaign under Arnold 
and Montgomery where he fell a victim to the small pox. His great 
experience, ardent patriotism, known courage, untarnished character- 
all combined to render his loss a great misfortune to his country and 
his friends. 

THOMAS THOMAS was born in the State of New York in 1745. 
He was among the first and most devoted patriots. He was a briga- 
dier-general and commanded a body of troops in 1776 at the battle of 
Harlaem Heights and White Plains. In the autumn of that year the 
British burnt his house and carried his aged father to New York where 
their proverbial inhumanity soon produced his death. Gen. Thomas 
was a severe scourge to the enemy— ever on the alert-energetic, bold 
and shrewd. He was subsequently taken prisoner, stripped of his regi- 
mentals and hat and marched through the streets of New York in the 
most disgraceful manner. He was at length placed on parole and per- 
mitted the limits of Brooklyn. After he was exchanged he sought 
every opportunity to make up lost time until the foe was driven beyond 
the great heron pond. He then removed to the town of Harrison, 
Westchester County, New York where he lived respected and died 
deeply regretted in July 1824. He was several times a member of the 
legislature of his State. 

TRUXTON THOMAS took his station on this rolling planet at 
Rhode Island in 1755. He was delighted with old Ocean from his boy- 
hood and became an expert mariner at an early age. He loved Liberty 
and was willing to pay its price without discount. He was placed in 
command of an armed vessel in 1775 and continued capturing prizes 
during the whole period of the Revolution without a single reverse of 
fortune. He made constant inroads on the commerce of Great Britain 
and was too wary a fox to be trapped, cornered or run down by the 
celebrated British sportsman of the seas. In 1794 he was put in com- 
mand of the frigate Constitution. In 1799 the French government be- 
came ripe for naval exercise and quite belligerent in its manners. The 
frigate L'Insurgent made battle with Commodore Truxton and after a 
brief action surrendered. The French ship of war La Vengeance then 
met the Constitution and after passing the very significant salutes usual 
at hostile meetings surrendered at discretion to Com. Truxton. On his 
return to the United States he retired to Philadelphia where he lived in 
the esteem of our nation and his friends until 1822 when his cable of 
life was cut and his soul launched on the ocean of eternity. 

WADS WORTH JEREMIAH was a native of Connecticut and early 
in the field to do battle for his loved-his injured country. He rose to the 
rank of general and was remarkable for great energy, undaunted courage, 
ardent patriotism and untiring industry. He was a member of Congress 
for some time. In public and private life he adorned the virtues that 
ever dignify the man and passed from the stage of life peacefully in 
1804. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 475 

WARD ARTEMUS was born in New England in 1727. He was a 
:nan of fine parts, strong common sense, thorough education, a zealous 
patriot. He was the first major-general commissioned by the Continental 
Congress, his commission bearing date the 7th of June 1775. At the 
siege of Boston he commanded the right wing of the army resting on 
Roxbury. His feeble constitution induced him to resign the ensuing 
April. In a legislative capacity he continued to serve his country faith- 
fully. He was repeatedly a member of the old and new Congress. A 
more incorruptible man never came from the clean hands of the Creator. 
He patiently endured a lingering illness for years and was relieved from 
the toils and pains of earth on the 28th of October 1800. 

WARD HENRY was a valued citizen of Rhode Island and stood in 
the front rank of her noble and daring patriots. He did good service in 
the tented field-was Secretary of his state-filled up his measure of 
usefulness and called his friends to mourn over his final exit and perform 
the last rites of sepulture in 1797. 

WASHINGTON WILLIAM was a native of Staflx)rd County, Va. 
He was a distant relative of George Washington and among the first of 
the chivalric sons of the Old Dominion to respond to the thrilling war cry- 
Liberty or death. He commenced his military career in command of a 
company of infantry in the 3d regiment of the Virginia line commanded 
by Col. Mercer. Captain Washington first distinguished himself for 
undaunted courage at York Island and in New Jersey. When Gen. 
Washington attacked Col. Ralle in command of the Hessians at Trenton, 
Capt. Washington led the advance of one of the columns. He received 
a musket ball through one of his hands which was not menioned by 
him until afier the enemy had surrendered. Soon after the brilliant 
affair at Trenton and Princeton he was transferred to Col. Baylor's regi- 
ment of cavalry with the rank of major and proceeded to Virginia with 
the regiment to increase its strength with fresh recruits. In 1775 this 
regiment was surprised by a superior force under Maj. Gen. Grey and 
nearly annihilated. Major Washington escaped and was then put in 
command of the consolidated remnants of the cavalry regiments of Cols. 
Baylor, Bland and Maylan and ordered to report himself to Gen. Lincoln 
in South Carolina. He was in constant service from the time of his 
arrival. His corps suffered at the battle of Monk's Corner and at Le- 
neau's Ferry. He then proceeded with Col. White to North Carolina for 
the purpose of raising recruits. This laudable object was not approved 
by Gen. Gates for reasons not explained which formed a link in his 
chain of disasters. Col. Washington proceeded to replenish his regiment 
and resumed field service under Gen. Morgan. At Covvpens, Hobbick's 
Hill, Eutaw, Guilford Court House-Col. Washington gained increasing 
epic laurels for himself and Spartan corps. At the battle of Eutaw he 
was unfortunately taken prisoner and not exchanged until after the sur- 
render of Yorktown. In 1782 he led the amiable and accomplished 
Miss Elliott to the hymeneal altar and located at the ancestral seat of 
his wife at Sandy Hill in South Carolina. He there enjoyed life with 
his family and friends in the happy way that Virginians well understand 
and fully exemplify. A braver soldier, a more noble and generous man 
than Col. Washington did not exist in the human family. He made his 
final exit in 1810. 



476 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

WINDER LEWIS was a resident of Maryland and a brave soldie: 
of the Revolution. In the struggle for Independence the best men were 
not office seekers but sought the good and glory of their country. Many 
soldiers in the ranks were men of strong intellect and substantial educa- 
tion. So with this veteran. After the close of the war toils he fillecf 
various public stations and became governor of his state. He enjoyed 
the esteem of his country and friends until 1819 when he slumbered in 
death. 

WHEELOCK JOHN was a favorite son of Massachusetts and one 
of the noble patriots who left the halls of literature and periled their lives 
in defence of chartered rights. He was an active officer in the army 
and had the esteem of his countrymen. He was subsequently a popular 
President of Dartmouth College. He made himself extensively useful 
until 1817 when he took his journey to " that country from whose bourne 
no traveller returns." 

WILLIAMS OTHO HOLLAND was ushered into life at the county 
of Prince George, Md. in 1748. At the commencement of the Revolution 
he resigned a lucratrve office under the crown to teach the man who 
dishonored that crown that Americans dared to assert their rights at the 
cannon's mouth as well as in paper essays. He was lieutenant in a rifle 
corps under Capt. Price and marched to head quarters at Cambridge in 
1775. In 1776 he was raised to the rank of major in the rifle regiment 
under Col. Stephenson. He was in the garrison of Fort Washington 
when attacked by the overwhelming force of Sir William Howe and 
was taken prisoner. When exchanged he was placed in command of 
the 0th regiment of the Maryland line and ordered to South Carolina 
with Baron de Kalb. He was raised to the grade of adjutant-general 
under Gen. Gates and shared the keen reverses of that general. Under 
Gen. Greene he was retained in the same office which he bravely filled 
to the close of the struggle for Liberty. At Guilford, Hobbick's and Eutavv 
his efficient services were warmly acknowledged by the judicious 
Greene, whose bosom friend and constant adviser he was. At all times 
and under all circumstances he nobly performed his duty in public and 
private life. At the close of the war he was corhmissioned a brigadier- 
general as a compliment to his high merit. Subsequent to the Revolu- 
tion he was appointed Collector of the Port of Baltimore where he died 
in July 1794. 

WOLCOTT ERASTUS was a favorite son of Connecticut of com- 
manding talents-a strong lawyer-an ardent patriot-a good citizen-a 
brave officer-an honest man. He rose to the rank of brigadier-general 
and subsequent to the Revolution was elevated to the Bench of the 
Superior Court of his state. His measure of i>sefulness became full in 
1798 when the hermetical seal of death closed his bright career. 

WOOSTER DAVID was born in Stafford, Conn, in 1711. Although 
frosted with near 70 winters when the Revolution commenced, he was 
eager to share in the glory of repelling an insolent foe from his native 
land and in making that land the happy abode of the brave and the free. 
In 1775 he was made a brigadier-general by Congress and put in com- 
mand of the Connecticut troops. This commission he resigned and 
became a major-general of the militia of his state. On the 27ih of April 
1777 he was mortally wounded in leading on his troops against a British 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 477 

force at Ridgefield and died on the 2d of May. His fall was ieeply 
lamented by Congress and our nation. He had all the ardor of youth 
united with the experience of age. Such men were greatly needed in 
such a contest as the American Revolution-uniting the sage, hero, 
citizen and honest man in a harmonious whole. 

WYLLIS SAMUEL was a citizen of Connecticut-a major-general 
of great promise-a man of sterling merit-a patriot of great zeal-a citi- 
zen of great worth and was killed by a party of British in 1777 on a 
predatory " beauty and booty" excursion. 

Thus closes a condensed view of the most prominent Sages and He- 
roes of the American Revolution. I have aimed at an object of greater 
importance than the relation of historical incidents-an illustration of the 
heaven-born principles-the god-like actions of the patriots of '76. If 
these are not cherished and practised by the present and coming gene- 
rations of our expanding Republic-the Liberty— the priceless freedom 
we now enjoy will be buried in the smoking ruins of the Elysian temple 
of our iNDEPENDENCE-now towcriug in majestic grandeur. I have ho- 
nestly and frankly expressed what J strongly feel relative to the vital 
interests of our beloved country. My conclusions are based upon labo- 
rious investigation, close observation and large experience. In com- 
mon with every true friend to our government I feel a deep interest in 
the portentous question of slavery which has so recently rocked our 
nation in the volcanic cradle of civil discord. I jiave taken full notes 
of its whole course from its embryo inception to the present time. I 
have listened to the arguments of the ablest men in each of the high 
contending parties. I have read all I could find upon the subject of 
West India emancipation. So far as the^British politicians were con- 
cerned I am satisfied that act was a bold stroke of ulterior policy-not 
of philanthropy. I have made myself familiar with the practical ope- 
rations of the slave system in our own country by leisurely visiting all 
the cities, large towns, most of the small ones and numerous plantations 
in all the slave States except Florida and Texas. Without such a tour 
no man can well form a correct conclusion upon this momentous sub- 
ject. He can only make an imaginary chamber survey-not the best 
evidence to present in court. I am not an advocate for the principle 
of bondage-but few can be found in the slave States who are. I look 
at slavery as it is-not as represented on the high colored charts of ultra 
abolitionists. It was forced upon the American Colonies by mother 
Britain. It is here by entail-not from original choice [see the Pream- 
ble of the Virginia Constitution.] This charges George the Third with 
" prompting our negroes to rise in arms among us-those very negroes, 
whom, by an inhuman use of his negative he hath refused us permission 
to exclude by law." Its present form in the south is infinitely more 
humane than the cunningly devised apprentice system of England. In- 
stead of rescued Africans being returned to their native land by that 
arrangement they are put to hard labor on the British Islands for a 
season and may then be sent adrift at the pleasure of the employer. A 
provision for life is insured to all the subjects of bondage in the slave 
States. There the free man may be stripped of the means of support 
by process of law-the slaves never. They are practically the most 



478 THE SAGES AND HEROES 

potent freeholders in those States. A large majority of the slaves 
there are better cared for than the same proportion of the colored 
population in the free States, both mentally and physically. Larger 
numbers of them enjoy religious instruction and become cliurch 
members.* 

Immediate emancipation would involve these slaves in the keenest 
misery unless they were provided with means of support far beyond 
the resources of their owners and the abolitionists combined. Huma- 
nity would recoil with horror at the practical workings of the proposed 
abolition system. It was originated in Europe for the express purpose 
of destroying our Union. Its paternity is illegitimate-its object our 
ruin-its tendency chaotic. Its tare seeds were first sown broadcast in 
our country by Thompson-a hired emissary from Great Britain who is 
now in our midst a second time on the same demoniac mission. His 
breath is pestilence-his pathway is marked with the fomenting scum of 
a meddlesome demagogue. In addition to his salary paid by England 
he is filling his pockets from the hard earnings of our people whom he 
blinds to destroy. The Syracuse Journal states that after the meeting 
this member of the British Parliament addi'essed at that place a short 
time since ^^ had passed resolutions against tlic Union the remainder of the 
time was consumed in receiving subscriptions to support Mr. Thompson 
in his anti-slavery itineracy. Thus the anti-slavery agitators are obliged 
to call in paid British assistance to help them break up the Union." At 
the same meeting this vile emissary made this startling assertion in 
substance-You have* not famine and pestilence but what is worse you 
are cursed with 30,000 recreant priests. No American would be per- 
mitted to pursue this course in Europe a moment. If we tolerate such 
foreign interference we are inworthy of freedom. When 1 speak of 
abolition I refer to ultra political abolilion-that which tramples upon 
our Constitution as an unholy thing and would rejoice at the dissolution 
of our Union and urge the slaves on to murder. I have no sympathy 
for ultraism in any section or in any cause. 

We must look at slavery as it exists in our country. Time has 
planted it too deeply to be eradicated by the caustic of abolition. Fine 
spun arguments upon the Declaration of Rights-the Federal Constitu- 
ti6n-the Missouri Compromise-free soil and philanthropy cannot re- 
move it. The question is local and belongs exclusively to the slave 
States. As well may the south interfere with the internal policy of the 
north as for us to dictate to the high minded slave owners who might 
have been gained by the talismanic power of love-never by threats or 
coercion. As a whole, a more humane, noble, generous people never 
came from the clean hands of the Creator. They can be led by a single 
hair of kindness-fanatical power may crush but can never drive them. 
But for the unfortunate issue of abolition raised by the foreign emissary 
alluded to-gradual emancipation would long before this have been on 
the flood tide of progress in several of the slave States. I write from 
the record. A violation of the eleventh commandment has added 
greatly to the perpetuity of slavery in our country. 

For these reasons and others I would name if space permitted, I ve- 
rily believe the abolition issue fraught with more danger to our Inde- 
pendence than any that has yet been conceived and promulged by the 

* The lietter condition of these slaves is fully proved by the fact, that the ratio of their increase, within the 
lti5t ten years is 3 to 1 over that of the colored population of the free States,— Author. 



OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 479 

enemies of our Libei'ty. It Is like cutting off the head of a man to cure 
a cancer on his face. The preservation of our glorious Union is para- 
mount to all other considerations which have yet engaged the attention 
of our nation. Could the following advice from the Farewell Address 
of the illustrious Washington be carefully read and implicitly obeyed 
Dy all in our land-then our freedom would be safe-our UNION pre- 
served. 

" In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs, 
as a matter of serious concern, tliat any ground should have been fur- 
nished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations- 
northern and southern-atlantic and western-whence designing men 
may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local 
interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence 
within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of 
other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the 
jealousies and heart burnings which spring from these misrepresenta- 
tions. They tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be 
bound together by fraternal affection. 

" To the efficacy and permanency of your Union a Government for 
the whole is indispensible. No alliances, however strict, between the 
parts can be an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience 
the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have 
experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved 
upon your first essay by the adoption of a Constitution of Government 
better calculated than your former for an intimate union and for the 
efficacious management of your common concerns. This government, 
the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted 
upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its 
principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy 
and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a 
just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its 
authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are 
duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis 
of our political systems is the right of the people to make and alter 
their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any 
time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole 
people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power 
and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the 
duty of every individual to obey the established government. 

" All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and 
associations, under whatever plausible character, with a real design to 
direct, control, counteract or awe the regular deliberation and action 
of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental prin- 
ciple and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction-to give it 
an artificial and extraordinary force-to put in the place of the delegated 
will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enter- 
prising minority of the community and according to the alternate 
triumphs of different parties to make the public administration the 
mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction rather 
than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common 
counsels and modified by mutual interests. 



480 THE SAGES AND HEROES, &C. 

*' Pfowever combinations or associations of the above description may 
now and then answer popular ends, they are Ukely, in the course of 
tune and things, to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious 
and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the 
people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government destroying 
afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. 

" Towards the preservation of your government and the permanency 
of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily 
discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority but 
also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its prin- 
ciples however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be 
to effect in the forms of the constitution, alterations which will impair 
the energy of the system and thus to undermine what cannot be directly 
overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, re- 
member that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true 
character of governments, as of other human institutions, that ex- 
perience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of 
the existing constitution of a country-that facility in change upon the 
credit of mere hypothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual change from 
the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion and remember, especially 
that for the efficient management of your common interest in a country 
so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent 
with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will 
find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and ad- 
justed, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name where 
the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to 
confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the 
laws and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the 
rights of person and property. 

" Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to 
believe me fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be 
constantly awake since history and experience prove that foreign 
influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. 

" In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and 
affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and 
lasting impression I could wish-that they will control the usual current 
of the passions or prevent our nation from running the course which 
has hitherto marked the destiny of nations! but if I may even flatter 
myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some 
occasional good-that they may now and then recur to moderate the 
fury of party spirit-to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue- 
to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism-this hope will 
be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare by which they 
have been dictated." 

Note — In a recent speech the emissary Thompson used this most specific language : — " I do 
not believe there is one minister in the United States who believes what he says. I know 
enough of ministers in that country to believe that they preach wilfully and designedly what 
they know to be false ! These men deliberately go to their closets, and, for purely political and 
pro-slavery purposes, write sermons for the Sabbath-day, which they all the while know to b» 
palpably and damnably untrue !" 



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